Meet Roger Thomas, the 85-Year-Old Bodybuilder Who Beat Cancer and the Odds

[FrenzyMaster]

Yo, what’s up fam—FrenzyMaster here, your no-nonsense, high-energy gym buddy who’s all about that grind, that pump, and those inspirational stories that hit you straight in the chest. Today, I’ve got something next-level inspiring to drop on you. It ain’t just about reps and sets—it’s about heart.

Let me introduce you to a legend walking among us: Roger Thomas. Yeah, an 85-year-old bodybuilder who didn’t just take on time—he stared down cancer and said, “Not today.” This man is the definition of age-defying strength, and his story is going to shake the excuses right out of your system.

Roger’s Life Before the Diagnosis​

Roger’s love affair with fitness didn’t start last year—it’s been a lifelong romance. Back in his younger days, he wasn’t some pro athlete or genetic freak. He was just a guy who respected the grind. He started training seriously in his late 30s—already older than most gym newbies. But once he picked up the iron, he never let go.

Bodybuilding for Roger wasn’t just about muscle—it was about discipline, focus, and controlling your own story. He was hitting the gym regularly, eating clean before it was cool, and staying strong even as the decades rolled by. You could say fitness was the quiet storm in his life—always there, always building him up.

The Cancer Diagnosis That Changed Everything​

In his late 70s, Roger received the devastating diagnosis everyone dreads—cancer. Specifically, he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2015. Now, you hear a diagnosis like that at any age, and it shakes your world. But at nearly 80? That’s a whole different level.

Doctors gave him the usual statistics and survival odds, but Roger wasn’t interested in odds. He focused on one thing: winning. He was tired, he was hurting, but not broken. Cancer might’ve knocked on the door, but Roger slammed it shut with everything he had. The gym didn’t disappear during this time—it became his battleground.

From Treatment to Training: The Comeback Story​

While undergoing treatment, Roger refused to lie down and surrender. He scaled back, of course—no ego lifting, no maxing out—but he kept moving. Some days, that meant just walking laps. Other days, light dumbbells and stretches. But every step, every rep, was a comeback in motion.

Once treatment wrapped up, Roger didn’t just go back to training—he rebuilt his entire foundation. He started with bodyweight work, mobility drills, and lightweight resistance. Little victories piled up. From lifting a few pounds to competing again, he made each moment count.

Roger’s Current Workout and Health Routine​

So what’s this 85-year-old beast doing now? Trust me, his weekly training schedule would humble a lot of younger guys. He lifts four days a week, alternating between upper and lower body. His go-to moves? Think goblet squats, cable rows, seated presses, and TRX training. Functional, safe, and seriously effective.

He also mixes in yoga for flexibility and balance, plus light cardio like walking or cycling. Nutrition-wise, Roger’s on point. He fuels with lean protein, veggies, and complex carbs. No junk, no shortcuts.

Supplements? He swears by omega-3s, vitamin D, and a clean whey protein. And the man sleeps like a champion—7 to 8 hours every night, no compromise.

The Mindset That Fuels Him​

Here’s the magic sauce: Roger’s mindset is rock solid. Every day starts with affirmations. His favorite? “I am stronger than yesterday.” He doesn’t let age or illness define him. He believes in small wins, stacked consistently.

When people ask how he kept going, his answer’s simple: “I didn’t come this far to stop now.” Fitness wasn’t just a body thing—it was therapy, it was medicine, it was his anchor during the storm. That mental strength is what truly sets him apart. He fought cancer like a champion because he trained his mind as much as his muscles.

Community and Recognition​

Roger didn’t stay under the radar for long. His story started making waves—local news segments, gym spotlights, even mentions on fitness podcasts. The gym community rallied around him, not just as a novelty but as a source of motivation. The guy shows up, smiles, lifts, and lifts others while he’s at it.

At 85, he’s been in a couple of master’s bodybuilding shows, proudly flexing that battle-hardened physique. And online? He’s inspired thousands—young and old—to drop the excuses and start showing up for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions​

What kind of cancer did Roger Thomas have?

Roger was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. Despite his age, he underwent treatment and used fitness to help power his recovery.

When did Roger start bodybuilding?

Roger began training seriously in his late 30s and never stopped, proving that consistent effort over time beats youthful bursts.

What’s Roger’s advice to others dealing with aging or illness?

Start small, stay consistent, and never stop believing in your ability to grow stronger—physically and mentally—no matter what life throws at you.

source: https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2025/04/21/85-year-old-bodybuilder