By Ken Jackson
Sports Writer

Kissimmee’s Caitlin Harrier looks in good shape for a 9-year-old, but at 83 pounds, she doesn’t have a physique that bellows of weight training.

But, after the World Natural Powerlifting Federation Florida State Championships in Merritt Island on April 16, she is a world-record holder in the dead lift for her age group, and 8-year-old brother Nolan holds the state record.

Caitlin, a fourth-grader at East Lake Elementary School, hit lifts of 100, 120 and 130 pounds – the last one breaking the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) world record of 126 pounds for the 8-9 age group. Nolan, a second-grader, dead-lifted 80 pounds (a third lift of 90 did not pass due to a technicality). And, they did that after only six weeks of focused training.

Winning in Merritt Island qualified them both for the AAU Junior Olympics in New Orleans on July 31. They’ll also compete in the bench press and the squat there.

The youngsters, and dad Thomas Harrier, himself an accomplished lifter, said they are excited about the chance to break more records in New Orleans.

“Where they’re at now, and where they’re at with their training, they should be able to surpass those,” Thomas said.

He’s quite surprised at the level of success they’ve had in such a short period of time.

“I’ve been training and competing for 30 years and have several world records,” he said. “The last couple of months they talked about wanting to compete. They’re used to seeing me train in the garage, and one day I decided, ‘Why not see what they can do.’ I didn’t anticipate all of this.”

Caitlin said that having records to break – along with watching her dad work out at the same time – keeps her focused.

“When I started, I wanted to break the existing world records. I know what they are,” she said.

The record-breaking 130-pound lift went up easy, she said.

“Since I did 120, I thought it would be hard, but it was easy,” she said. “After the lift, I was proud and excited.”

Because weightlifting isn’t something common to fourth-grade girls, Caitlin admits she has a hard time explaining what she does to her friends – and they have a hard time grasping the concept, too.

“When I talk to my friends, they’re surprised. One boy told me I couldn’t lift 100 pounds,” she said at her home recently, moments before completing a multiple-rep set at 105 pounds.

Nolan got so excited talking about what he’s accomplished in such a short time that he almost forgot he had to practice, too.

“I’m having as much fun as I thought I would,” he said. “I’m training a lot and now I have strong muscles.”

Aniko Harrier, Thomas’ wife and the children’s mom, plays the role of dutiful onlooker and fan. She thoroughly supports and encourages her children’s current outlet for their energy.

“I’m proud of them. They need to be doing something and this teaches discipline,” she said, before turning and pointing to her svelte, muscular husband, adding, “I just don’t want her to look like him.”

To hear Thomas talk, Aniko has nothing to worry about.

“There’s so much misinformation about kids and weights. Research shows it makes their bones stronger and conditions their bodies if done properly,” he said. “At this age, focus them on high reps and low weight.

“A female is not going to pack a lot of muscle onto her frame. The ones you see all bulked up in competition are on steroids. This is drug-free competition.”

In New Orleans, it will be all gumbo, beignets and, hopefully, some more world records.