Exercise Scientist Critiques the 300LB 15-Year-Old Strongman
In a Nutshell
Dr. Mike Israetel praises 15-year-old strongman Bubba Pritchette (6'2", 300 lb), son of legend Jerry Pritchette, for deadlifting 600 lb at 14 with elite technique and progression from 250 lb at age 9, debunking myths that youth weightlifting stunts growth via evidence from sports like basketball and lack of injury data. Bubba's squats (430 lb), log press (470 lb), and goal to win World's Strongest Man eight times highlight his genetic gifts and dedication, but Israetel warns against social media comparisons—inspire from outliers like him by tracking personal progress only. Strongman demands extreme pain tolerance and injury risk, positioning Bubba as an exceptional talent.
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Dr. Mike Israetel from RP Strength introduces Bubba Pritchette, son of legendary strongman Jerry Pritchette. Jerry Pritchette is in his 60s and weighs about 400 lb. Bubba, who just turned 15, is 6'2" and 300 lb, specializing in strongman. At 14, he deadlifted 470 lb. Dr. Mike notes he was 5' tall at 14 himself.
Bubba is called the strongest teenager in the world, setting numerous strongman records at 14. At 9 years old, he weighed about 250 lb and deadlifted 250 lb in strongman style. At 10, 275 lb with improved technique: flatter back, bar close, head up. At 11, 305 lb, showing significant growth.
Myth that lifting young with unfused growth plates stunts height due to high forces. Evidence from youth weightlifting and strongman shows zero detectable relationship between early lifting and height compared to parents' predictions or peers. Mechanistically, jumping forces (e.g., basketball) on vertebrae and long bones are multiples higher than gym lifts, yet basketball players are not shorter. Growth plates only get damaged by severe injuries like broken bones, potentially requiring surgery. Conclusion: children can lift without affecting height; this is a made-up notion.
At 12 years old, 375 lb deadlift. At 13, 405 lb with even better technique. At 14, 600 lb strongman-style (scooping, hitching on hips, straps, belt), adaptable to car deadlift and World's Strongest Man events. Puberty hit between 13-14, illustrated by rapid strength jump due to testosterone. Ad read: VersaGrips Hyper Belt for hypertrophy training—thin, flexible, tall, great support.
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