Abbey Watson Sets Weight Lifting Records at 13-years-old
Abbey Watson, who is just 13, competed in the Powerlifting Federation national competition in Oklahoma City.
During the competition she set 28 records, including eight world records one of which was the world record for squats where she lifted 143.3 pounds, according KPLC.
This amazingly was not what Abbey had originally envisioned herself doing but after her father brought her to Defy Crossfit Gym three years ago she has been hooked.
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"I came just to watch. I was wearing my school clothes and they asked me if I wanted to do it too. So, I did one of the workouts and I loved it, so I started coming," Abbey said.
Her coach and trainer Jonathon Sabar explained that there is one part of the story that might help others to understand how she became so good in such a short amount of time.
"I think the reason Abbey is lifting weight that surpasses adults is because she's never been told she can't do it," Sabar told the Denver Post.
"It's been amazing watching her grow and develop, and at this point, she is doing weights that are as heavy if not heavier than what full grown women do."
Abbey's father could not be more proud of her record setting daughter, but he explains that it was not his intention for his daughter to become a world class weight lifter.
"I am amazed. I am surprised she has latched on to it as much as she has. I was just hoping she would get into a good workout habit. I never thought she would compete. I'm impressed and proud of her," Steve Watson told KPLC.
Abbey is even in disbelief that she has been able to do so well with only a few years of experience.
"I think that if someone would have told me at the beginning of 6th grade I'd be lifting this much, I would never believe them," Abbey said.
She can dead lift 176 pounds, which is almost double her body weight, and has her eyes set on competing in the Olympics.
