**Nine-Year-Old Powerlifter Sets Records and Inspires Others**
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A remarkable story is emerging from Sparta, New Jersey, where a nine-year-old boy has taken the powerlifting world by storm. Michael McCourt Jr. began his ascension in the sport after watching strength trainers on YouTube and training closely with his father. His pursuit of powerlifting has already led to six state records and a world record in his age group after he participated in his first official competition earlier this year.
Michael McCourt Jr. entered the realm of powerlifting at just eight years old, competing at the USA Powerlifting Warwick Barbell Bash II on May 2. Despite being the youngest participant, he approached the competition with a calm demeanour, remarking, “I figured I’m just gonna do what everybody else does, just lift the weight.” His attitude and performance have not only earned him accolades but also stirred inspiration in his peers and family.
The young athlete dedicates four days a week to training in powerlifting under the guidance of his father, Michael McCourt Sr., who has taken on the dual role of coach and parent. Michael Jr. manages to balance his rigorous training schedule with academics, football, baseball, and wrestling. His father praised his dedication, saying, “I’ve never met anyone, especially at his age, who is so motivated. He locks in, focuses, and just wants to do it.”
During the Warwick Barbell Bash, McCourt Jr. competed in three disciplines: squat, bench press, and deadlift, all of which are core to the powerlifting sport. He successfully lifted 209.44 pounds in the deadlift, squatted 110.2 pounds, and bench-pressed 82.6 pounds, impressively weighing in at 110 pounds for the event. His achievements have been officially recognised, with six state records certified by USA Powerlifting, along with a coveted world record for his age group.
Emotional support for McCourt Jr. comes not only from his father but also from his mother, Autumn McCourt, who expressed pride over her son’s achievements: “It was so amazing. Mike was the youngest competitor, with participants as old as 80, and it was truly inspirational.” Her emotional reaction underscores the family’s commitment and Michael’s determination as he continues to excel in a field that captures both strength and discipline.
Michael’s introduction to powerlifting stemmed from his admiration for renowned strength athletes such as Larry Wheels and Eddie Hall, whom he discovered through YouTube. “I got interested in joining him about a year ago because I watch powerlifters on YouTube,” he recounted, crediting his father’s past lifting experience and their home gym as significant influences on his journey.
After the competition, Michael Jr. returned to Mohawk Avenue School, where he received a hero’s welcome from classmates who celebrated his accomplishments with cheers and high-fives. “He’d always tell us, ‘I want to break some kind of world record, I’m going to figure out what it is,’ and it just happened that this worked,” his father reflected, sharing his own motivation to return to training inspired by his son’s grit.
Looking ahead, Michael Jr. is set on reaching new heights in powerlifting. For his recent birthday, he requested a powerlifting belt to aid in his training. He has set his sights on a new deadlifting goal of 235 pounds and expressed excitement for future competitions, saying, “I can’t wait until my next competition, which will be in October. I love this, and I got a really cool medal.”
McCourt Jr.’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and the support of family. It showcases how a child, through perseverance and enthusiasm, can inspire not only themselves but also those around them, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to achieving greatness in sports. As he continues his journey, the powerlifting community and his supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see what milestones this young athlete will accomplish next.