NNSL (JAN 08/97) - "Bylaw Billie," she was called.

Long-time Yellowknifer Billie Yrjola was part Norm Peterson, part King of Kensington -- everyone knew her.

A bylaw officer for the city from 1975 to 1985, Yrjola was always a fitness buff. When she moved to Calgary she started training with a bodybuilder friend.

Now the 51-year-old's name is known much farther afield -- she is the world record holder in masters powerlifting with a combined squat, bench and deadlift of 355 kilograms.

Yrjola says her physique dictated the move from bodybuilder to power-lifter.

"I started competing in bodybuilding in 1992 and won some masters events but this year I decided I was too lanky (six foot two, 190 pounds). My body's more suited for powerlifting."

The results were immediate.

The Calgary transit police officer began powerlifting in December and by spring she broke the masters' overall world record at the Western Canadian championship with a combined 322-kg lift.

Shortly after that, she followed with a 322.5-kg lift to claim the Canadian championship. Both events were held in Calgary.

Her 355-kg lift occurred in August at the U.S. nationals in Las Vegas.

The only event that Yrjola hasn't dominated is the World Championship, held last month in Durban, South Africa.

She's says nothing went right for that one from the time she boarded her plane.

"I lost six pounds on the 18-hour flight and there was a scheduling mix-up so my allotted time for my lifts was shortened.

"I didn't complete my first lift and I was disqualified."

Yrjola has put the frustration of the world event aside and is concentrating on the westerns in February and the nationals in August. Both are slated for Calgary.

She also has her eye on the next World Championship, which will be held in England.

Aside from her stature, Yrjola says self-discipline, determination, a good trainer and setting goals are the keys to her success.

"I still have a goal of reaching a 500-kg total."

"I want to be an inspiration for people over 50 and give them a new outlook on life and that they can achieve their goals."