Should This 9 Year Old Girl Be Deadlifting? | What the Fitness | Biolayne
BiolaynePublished on May 22, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
The myth that weightlifting harms children's growth is unsupported by scientific evidence. Instead, resistance training can enhance children's health, and concerns about injury are often overblown compared to traditional sports.
Key Points
- The belief that weightlifting stunts children's growth is a myth with no scientific basis.
- Research shows resistance training can enhance metabolic health and bone density in adolescents.
- Real-life examples, such as Sebastian Oreb's daughter, demonstrate that weightlifting does not hinder growth.
- Injury rates in weightlifting are comparable to low-impact sports like golf, and higher in traditional sports like soccer.
- Encouraging weightlifting as part of a child's active lifestyle can be beneficial.
The Myth of Weightlifting and Children's Growth
In today's society, the belief that weightlifting is detrimental to children persists, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim. Recent discussions have highlighted this myth, particularly after a video featuring a 9-year-old girl named Lucy Milgram went viral for her impressive deadlift of around 180 lbs at the Arnold Sports Festival. This article aims to debunk the myths surrounding weightlifting for children and provide insight into the benefits of resistance training.
The Evidence Against Weightlifting Myths
Many critics argue that weightlifting can harm children's growth plates, potentially leading to issues like arthritis. However, research has consistently shown that resistance training does not stunt growth or close growth plates. Instead, evidence indicates that adolescents who engage in weightlifting often experience enhanced metabolic health, improved bone density, and normal growth patterns.
Real-Life Examples
One notable example is the daughter of fitness expert Sebastian Oreb. He introduced his daughter to lifting during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was around 10 or 11 years old. Now at 15 or 16, she squats an impressive 240 lbs and is proud to be among the strongest in her school. Her growth has not been stunted; in fact, she stands taller than the other women in her family.
The Reality of Injury Risks
Many parents express concern about the risk of injury when their children lift weights, citing potential spinal injuries during heavy lifts. However, the reality is that most children are not strong enough to injure themselves with weightlifting. In fact, the injury rates associated with powerlifting are comparable to those seen in low-impact sports such as golf. Activities like soccer and baseball, which involve rapid changes of direction and potential contact, often pose a higher risk of injury.
Addressing the Stigma
The stigma surrounding weightlifting for children typically stems from long-held but unfounded beliefs. Many people worry that lifting weights leads to growth stunting; however, this notion has no scientific backing. Encouraging children to be active, which can include weightlifting, is beneficial and should be embraced rather than feared.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the myth that weightlifting is harmful to children should be put to rest. Introducing children to resistance training can lead to numerous physical benefits and promote a healthy lifestyle. As parents and guardians, it's essential to foster an environment where physical activity, including weightlifting, is viewed positively.