Rory van Ulft lifts a weight at a competition in Canada. File

Gulf Today Report

A 7-year-old Canadian girl was named the youngest American U-11 Champion in history after lifting 80 kg of weights.

She has been dubbed as the “strongest girl ever.”

Rory van Ulft raised eyebrows with gymnastic skills two years ago, and now with weightlifting in snatch and pure styles, under the supervision of a coach, gradually developed her strength to steal the adult weightlifting championship.

The Ottawa-based girl can deadlift 80 kg, snatch 32kg and clean and jerk 42kg and squat 61kg.

She started training after her fifth birthday when she joined a gymnastics school.

Rory's mother, Lindsay Nawad, said: “When she started exercising I was upset about it, and scared about her lifting those heavy things, but now I look at her… I am proud of her.”

She added, “Just thinking of a girl of this age who lifts several weights is amazing, and many have indicated to us the dangers of what she will incur in the future, but her coach and doctor take care of her to avoid injuries.”

Greg Chen, owner of a training gym in Ottawa, said: “What matters most to us is Ulft’s health and we will not allow her to do anything foolish.”

He added “Roy won the United States National Youth Championship in the 13th category even though she is two years younger and 10kg lighter.”

"I consider myself a gymnast first and foremost, and I like lifting weights," said Rory, who wears a temporary tattoo when competing.

She thinks it is cool to wear a tattoo.