Every year, the world's iconic bodybuilders set new records at the Arnold Classic that amaze the fitness world.

However, this year, a 9-year-old girl from New York has impressed everyone after she performed a heavy deadlift.

Little Lucy Milgrim hauled up 180 lbs at the XPC powerlifting meet at the 2026 Arnold Classic Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, on March 8.

On March 8, little Lucy herself shared the video of the event first on her Instagram with the caption:

“New PR at The Arnold! With sincere appreciation to our amazing sponsor @cardilloweightbelts, @anc_boston for his talent and time that went into creating the artwork on my belt, and gratitude to @lexenxtremepowerlifting for the invite to lift!”

The short clip shows her preparing with focus, and volunteers carefully arranging the barbell, and a spotter placed himself behind Lucy to avoid any uncertainties.

In the meantime, Lucy prepared herself and then lifted the weight to a full lockout, leaving the audience cheering for her.

However, lifting weights is not new for her. In the past, she held the American Youth record of lifting 165 lbs in the 43 kg class.

The little bodybuilding prospect from the Saw Mill Elementary School in Bellmore also holds many other records.

In 2025, she became the Best Female Overall lifter by setting American records in bench (74 lbs), squat (131 lbs), and deadlift (165 lbs), and won the 2025 USAPL Youth National title.

While the 9-year-old girl made history, some fans question whether it is okay to allow children her age to lift such a heavy weight.

Is lifting weights at a very young age safe?

Lucy Milgrim's 180-lb lifting miracle has raised the question of whether children her age should do the same.

One fan said, “Absolutely against this. Joint growth plates are not yet formed fully, meaning these kids risk debilitating arthritis, osteoarthritis, and many other things at a much younger age (like late 20’s) than most.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, resistance training for kids over 7 helps boost bone density and reduce unnecessary injuries.

AAP further explained, “Appropriate strength-training programs have no apparent adverse effect on linear growth, growth plates or the cardiovascular system”.

However, it is suggested to proceed with proper supervision.

Lucy has indulged in the sport since she was 6 years old, after her father, Brett Milgrim, a wrestling coach since 2005, introduced her to it.

Currently, she dedicates 10 hours of her week to her family gym.

So, Lucy’s moment shows that with proper commitment, anyone can create history.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Kalp Thaker