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A young powerlifter’s explosive strength and technical prowess deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece.Columbus TodayAt a recent powerlifting competition in Ohio, 9-year-old Lucy Milgrim deadlifted 180 pounds, setting three American records with USA Powerlifting. The video of her lift has gone viral, with over 60 million views, as she is considered one of the top young powerlifters in the country after just her first year in the sport.
Why it matters
Lucy’s incredible feats at such a young age are inspiring other youth, especially young girls, to get involved in powerlifting and other strength-based sports. The sport’s impact on youth development, in terms of self-awareness, discipline, and technical skill, is also noteworthy.
The details
Lucy Milgrim, a fourth grader from Long Island, New York, deadlifted 180 pounds at an all-ages powerlifting competition in Ohio last month. This lift, which was roughly three times her body weight, set her third American record with USA Powerlifting. In addition to the deadlift record, she also set the bench press record at 74 pounds and the squat record at 131 pounds.
- Lucy Milgrim set her records at a powerlifting competition in Ohio on March 7, 2026.
- She also competed at a state wrestling match on March 15, 2026.
The players
Lucy Milgrim
A 9-year-old fourth grader from Long Island, New York, who is considered one of the top young powerlifters in the country after just her first year in the sport.
Brett Milgrim
Lucy’s father, who is also her wrestling coach and prioritizes her safety and proper technique in powerlifting.
Vougar Oroudjov
An Olympic bronze medalist in light-flyweight wrestling, who is one of Lucy’s wrestling coaches.
Heather Faas
The executive director of USA Powerlifting, the largest powerlifting organization in the country.
What they’re saying
“I felt really excited, and I was really pumped that I hit that weight. I’ve been going at it for a while, and that was the first time I hit it.”
— Lucy Milgrim
“The impact this sport has on youth is pretty incredible. It helps with self-awareness and having fun, while also executing these lifts with great form and technique.”
— Heather Faas, Executive Director, USA Powerlifting
“It’s pretty rare that we see an athlete, especially someone her size, be able, mentally and physically, to lift three times their body weight. That’s a big deal for adult athletes to eventually attain, so for a youth of her age to do that is incredible.”
— Heather Faas, Executive Director, USA Powerlifting
What’s next
Lucy Milgrim plans to continue pursuing her goals in both powerlifting and wrestling, with the ultimate aim of becoming an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling.
The takeaway
Lucy Milgrim’s remarkable achievements in powerlifting at just 9 years old are inspiring young athletes, especially girls, to pursue strength-based sports. Her success highlights the positive impact that sports like powerlifting can have on youth development, fostering self-awareness, discipline, and technical skill.
