A COUPLE have been slammed for allowing their 11-year-old son to train in the gym for three hours a day, but they insist that the child is happiest when he’s pumping iron.
Rowan O’Malley is the world’s strongest 11-year-old, and began competing in powerlifting competitions when he was just 9.
He said that the feeling of getting a PB in powerlift is “amazing”, however his parents have been criticised for not allowing their son to have a proper childhood.
After school every evening, Rowan heads straight to the gym, and spends two to three hours there, practicing weight lifting.
Rowan’s dad Ben said that his son has been interested in lifting weights since he was one and a half years old, and could always be found picking stuff up as a toddler.
However, Rowan didn’t start training weights properly until he was five.
“My first proper memory in the gym was when I was about five or six years old and I was doing pull ups on a pull up bar and everyone was clapping me”, Rowan said.
Rowan has seven world records and can squat 115 kilos, and deadlift 135 kilos, with a total of 310 kilos.
Ben said that it was Rowan’s idea himself to start competing.
“I wanted Rowan to get some recognition for what he’s doing”, Ben said.
Rowan cooks his own healthy meals, to make sure he gets all of the nutrients he needs to maintain his strength.
He also plays rugby twice a week, and hopes to become professional one day.
Ben said that many people have commented on the fact that Rowan exercises too much for his age.
However, he said that Rowan loves being busy all of the time and complains about being bored if he has a day off.
Rowan’s mum Gemma added that he does still have time to see his friends and relax, amongst his busy schedule.
Ben said that many people have suggested that he pushes Rowan to lift weights, but said that this is absolutely not true.
Recent studies have shown that provided it is done safely and correctly, children can start weightlifting from around 7 or 8 years old.
However, the focus should be on technique, controlled movements, and supervision rather than the amount of weight lifted.
Weight training at a young age can help with the development of proper motor skills and coordination.
At this age, children are still developing their neuromuscular systems, and weight lifting can enhance their ability to perform everyday activities more efficiently
However, young children must be supervised at all times to make sure that exercises are being carried out correctly and safely.
Children should also be encouraged to listen to their bodies and take rest when needed.
Gemma added that others have said that the couple are preventing Rowan from having a proper childhood.
“That really upset us”, she said.
“I don’t think we’re pushy parents”, said Ben.
“I think we give Rowan the opportunity to excel in whatever he want to excel in.
“If he told us tomorrow he wants to be a painter, he’d be painting every day.”
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