Lucy Milgrim, 9, is already making her mark in youth powerlifting. Training in a home gym under the guidance of her father, a wrestling coach, she has compiled an impressive résumé that includes a 2025 USA Powerlifting Youth National Championship and multiple American records across the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Along with her strength, her consistency and technique continue to stand out.
On March 8, 2026, at the XPC Powerlifting meet during the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, Lucy delivered her biggest moment yet. She stepped up and deadlifted 180 pounds, surpassing her previous best and setting a new personal and competitive milestone. The lift itself was controlled and confident, the kind you’d expect from a seasoned lifter, not a fourth-grader. In a sport defined by incremental progress, this was the result of steady training, discipline, and a clear understanding of the fundamentals.
Stories like Lucy’s highlight something often overlooked: when properly coached and supervised, powerlifting can be a positive outlet for young athletes. It builds strength, body awareness, patience, and confidence. Unlike many youth sports that emphasize speed or competition early on, strength training rewards focus, technique, and gradual improvement. For kids, that can translate into healthier habits and a stronger sense of capability both inside and outside the gym. Lucy Milgrim’s lift is a reminder that strength, when developed responsibly, can be a powerful foundation.
Powerlifting.com meet coverage based on official results, event reporting, and on-site or published sources.
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