7th grader Bo Jensen sets records this summer at St. Louis, Missouri at Nationals. Jensen this past summer has broken even more records to set himself as the world’s strongest 12-year-old. He says, “I had to squat 315, bench 170, and deadlift 357 pounds,” With this record bracketing lift he was out lifting the older kids in the tournament. Jensen says the feeling was amazing after he realized he had lifted to become the world’s strongest 12-year-old. Jensen has been weightlifting for 5 years after his brother and dad got him started. “My dad and brother were weightlifting one day and I was bored and came out, and my dad told me to pick up the weight and I did and it was very easy.”
Jensen’s dad plays a big role in his weight-lifting journey, by always pushing and supporting him. “As his father and coach, I built a gym for the kids in our backyard. I train them all for free. I compete alongside them as well.” With all this training comes a risk for Jensen as scientific studies have shown that weightlifting at such a young age can cause stunts in growth. Jensens’ father however is concerned as he states, “If done correctly and the weight is increased slowly over a long period there is less danger in weight lifting than there is in jumping on a trampoline!”
With all eyes on Jensen, it can be easy to forget about school and focus on his athletic success although his father said, “The demands on Bo’s academic career have not been that overwhelming yet.” Jensen’s teacher Mrs. Ward praises Bo saying, “Overall, I’m really proud of Bo and how far he’s come since the beginning of the year. I definitely see him developing better habits and branching out so I’m excited to see how he will continue to grow.” Jensen’s family and friends hope to see him develop and grow further as a person and athlete.
