What does it mean to train for life? Lynn Jacobson, a longtime DAC member, Masters noon swimmer, university professor, ranch owner, and now two-time world record holder, is a pretty good answer to that question.
On May 26, 2026, Lynn competed at the USPA Ultra Powerlifting Championships in Anaheim, California, and came home with two Master’s World Records: a 150 lb. squat and a 220 lb. deadlift, both for her age group (71) and weight class (123 lbs.). It was her second trip to Worlds, and not her last.
Lynn has lifted most of her adult life. Not to compete, but to keep up with the things she loves; running, hiking, ranch life. She and her husband raised a herd of Longhorn cattle for about a decade out on their Springfield spread. That kind of living asks something of your body, and Lynn has always shown up ready.
She first became a DAC member years ago, took time away when her kids were young, then found her way back. These days you’ll find her training daily, going on hikes, and swimming during weekday lunches with the Masters Swim class. She swims with Coach Scott’s crew of swimmers who show up, put in the yards, and cheer each other on. Lynn will be the first to tell you she’s one of the slower ones in the lane, but she’ll also tell you that putting in the work counts, no matter the speed.
“They are so encouraging,” she says of the Masters Swim class. “Even though I’m one of the slower swimmers in the group.”
That’s the DAC. The encouragement is real.
How Powerlifting Found Lynn
Six or seven years ago, Lynn’s daughter picked up the sport of powerlifting. Lynn got curious, then she got serious.
Squats gave her pause at first. She’d had knee surgery in the 1970s and wasn’t about to take chances with a movement that puts direct load on that joint. So she did what smart lifters do: she focused on technique. About 8-10 years ago she started working with previous DAC Personal Trainer, Akim (pictured below). She sang Akim’s praises and explained how he taught her proper techniques, encouraged her, and helped her gain strength.
“I am always working to improve my technique to stay safe and strong,” she says. That philosophy (patient, process-oriented, never done learning) is exactly what has kept her competing into her seventies. She now competes a couple of times a year, mostly in the Pacific Northwest. She has made the trip to Worlds twice, and both times she brought medals home.
Why Lynn Wants You to Pick Up a Weight
Ask Lynn about strength training and she lights up. Not about records or platforms, but about daily life. “Weight training when done properly can improve joint mobility and bone density,” she says. “It makes activities of daily living so much easier.”
She encourages every DAC member, regardless of age, background, or fitness level, to explore some form of resistance training. And her advice on how to start is consistent: find a coach first. “Proper form is very important. If people are not currently weight training, I would encourage them to start with one of the DAC coaches.” The DAC’s personal training team is exactly that resource. New to lifting or coming back after time away, our personal trainers meet you where you are and help you build something sustainable.
The Scholar on the Platform
Lynn isn’t only a world-record athlete. She is an Adjunct Instructor at Bushnell University here in Eugene, holds three master’s degrees and a PhD, and just completed a new certification in her field. She describes herself, without hesitation, as a lifelong learner, always taking courses, always improving, and it tracks. The same discipline that earns a doctorate is the same discipline that shows up to the pool at noon on a Monday, refines a squat cue for the seventh year running, completes 13 chin ups (unassisted), and steps onto a national platform at 71 and lifts more than anyone in her age group on earth.
She’ll be turning 72 in August and is already planning her next competition.
The information shared on the Downtown Athletic Club’s blog is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
The Downtown Athletic Club (DAC) has been Eugene’s locally owned, family-operated health club for over 40 years. Under one roof you’ll find a full Gymnasium, Cardio + Strength Floor, Group Exercise classes, a Lap Pool, warm-water therapy pool, Downtown Pilates Studio, The ZONE training program, Newberry Preschool, KidStop Daycare, and Zest Kitchen + Bar on our third floor. Locally owned means we get to build a club around the community we’ve built, and continue to build.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Enjoy a complimentary guest pass and come see why so many Eugene families call the DAC home. We’re located at 999 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401. Give us a call at 541-484-4011 anytime.
Lynn training with previous DAC Personal Trainer, Akim 8-10 years ago. Lynn with her daughter, Gina, who she says is her inspiration. World record deadlift (220lbs) in California, May 2026. Bench press in California, May 2026. World record squat (150lbs) in California, May 2026. Combination of Lynn’s medals she’s earned.
