It’s been all over television and the internet, starting on Denver’s 9News, moving to denverpost.com, and exploding to local news programs across the county and even CNN.com. 13 year old Abbey Watson of Westminster has become a nationwide phenomenon after setting 8 world records, as well as several state and American records at the N.A.S.A. (Natural Athlete Strength Association) Natural Nationals powerlifting meet this weekend in Oklahoma City.
As the story details, Abbey started training with her dad at DEFY!, a CrossFit and strength-coaching gym in Broomfield. "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!" When a powerlifting competition came up last November, she decided to enter. Not only did she have a great time, but she set state and national records, and took first place for her weight class and age group. She now has her sights on mastering the Olympic weightlifting movements (the snatch and the clean-and-jerk), with an eye toward potentially competing in the Olympic games.
But the story goes beyond a remarkable young lady finding a passion for a sport at which she excels. 105-pound Abbey is proving in a very public way that heavy lifting isn’t just for boys, or for massive, muscle-bound athletes.
What may be the most important aspect of this story, however, is the impact competitive weight lifting could potentially have on the physical and emotional health of the girls of America.
Sports, including powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting, provide a strong framework for kids to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies, particularly their weight. A competitive powerlifter needs to maintain their desired weight class without losing strength. This means, for example, if Abbey - or any kid who competes in powerlifting - goes to a birthday party, she may decide to have a piece of cake. She’s very unlikely, however, to have two or three pieces. At the same time, she is keenly aware of the role strength plays in her chosen sport, so she’s equally unlikely to turn to unhealthy habits of extreme diets or eating disorders.
So, let’s hear it for Abbey Watson who, at 13 years old, may be doing more to help her peers across America develop a lifelong healthy relationship with their bodies than all the doctors and dietitians have managed.
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