Meet the 9-year-old who can lift 3 times her body weight
Meet the 9-Year-Old Who Can Lift 3 Times Her Body Weight
During a recent all-ages competition in Ohio, a 9-year-old girl made headlines by deadlifting 180 pounds. The event, held last month, featured Lucy Milgrim, a fourth grader from Long Island, New York, who set her third American record with USA Powerlifting. The lift, captured in a video of 60 million views, was accompanied by the upbeat rhythm of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”
Lucy’s performance sparked immediate interest from professional powerlifters. Her ability to lift three times her body weight, achieved in a custom weight belt and pigtails, showcased a rare blend of strength and focus for her age. This milestone has positioned her as a standout figure in youth powerlifting, where competitors as young as 8 years old engage in bench pressing, dead lifting, and squatting.
“I felt really excited, and I was really pumped that I hit that weight,” Lucy said. “I’ve been going at it for a while, and that was the first time I hit it.”
A Rising Star in the Powerlifting World
Lucy’s accomplishments are especially notable for young athletes, who often compete in local meets with 10 to 20 participants and regional events drawing 50 to 100 competitors. Heather Faas, a 13-year veteran and USA Powerlifting’s executive director, praised the sport’s effect on youth. “It helps with self-awareness and having fun, while also executing these lifts with great form and technique,” she said.
Her records extend beyond the deadlift. Lucy also holds the bench press mark at 74 pounds and the squat record at 131 pounds. Faas emphasized that such feats are uncommon, especially for someone her size. “That’s a big deal for adult athletes to eventually attain, so for a youth of her age to do that is incredible,” she noted, adding that Lucy is a unique case.
Training and Aspirations
Lucy’s journey into powerlifting began a year ago after one of her wrestling “besties” joined the sport. Her primary focus remains on wrestling, where she trains four to five days weekly with her father, Brett Milgrim, and Vougar Oroudjov, an Olympic bronze medalist in light-flyweight wrestling. Milgrim prioritizes safety, ensuring training includes micro-plates for gradual, controlled weight increases.
“I want smooth reps each time, focusing on postural control and being able to repeat that over and over again,” Milgrim said, highlighting his emphasis on technique.
Lucy’s mom, Michelle, mentioned that her daughter has only attempted maximum lifts in three competitions, including the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, on March 7. The video of her lift shows Milgrim adjusting her arms before she steps up, wearing pink shoes and a powerlifting belt with her first name.
Despite her current success, Lucy’s ambitions stretch further. She aims to become an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, open her own club, and surpass her dad’s record. Her achievements have already inspired others, including a 5-year-old girl who approached her at a state match and declared her desire to be “the next Lucy.”
Lucy’s story underscores the growing influence of powerlifting on young athletes, blending discipline with creativity. Her unique approach—combining competitive rigor with playful style—has become a symbol of determination in the world of youth sports.
Francie Ebert is a news associate at NBC News Digital.
