Rory Van Ulft’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. This statement might not seem peculiar at first, but when you add the fact that she is just 11-years-old, it becomes absolutely mind-blowing. Well, Rory recently participated in the 2024 USA Weightlifting Nationals, which are taking place from June 15-23, in Pittsburgh, PA. There Rory managed to Clean & Jerk 77 kilograms (169.8 pounds) to Unofficially break the Under 17-YO (Youth) World Record.
Rory Van Ulft started the Clean & Jerk session with an attempt of 71 kilograms (156.5 pounds). She then moved on to 74 kilograms (163.1 pounds) for the second attempt and was once again successful.
Ultimately, Rory Van Ulft decided to attempt a 77-kilogram (169.8-pound) Clean & Jerk, claiming two accomplishments for the price of one. Firstly, she unofficially broke the World Record in the under 17-YO age class / 40-kilogram weight class. Secondly, she achieved a 2x her bodyweight Clean & Jerk, as she weighed only 37.95 kilograms (83.7 pounds) at the time.
*The current official U17-YO / U40KG World Record belongs to Preetismita Bhoi, who Clean & Jerked 76-kg (167.6-lb) at the 2024 Youth World Weightlifting Championships.
Watch Rory Van Ulft’s lift here:
As expected, Rory Van Ulft had an impeccable performance overall as well, successfully completing all six of her attempts. In turn, she outperformed her closest rival in the 40-kilogram weight class by a margin of 51 kilograms (112.4 pounds), which is once again unbelievable.
Snatch
Rory Van Ulft opened up fairly close to her limits with a snatch of 54 kilograms (119 pounds). So, she added an additional 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) over the two remaining attempts, closing out the event with a lift of 58 kilograms (127.9 pounds).
For reference, this is just 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) lighter than the U17 World Record, set by a girl multiple years older than her. So, it is safe to say that the snatch record is in danger as well.
- 54 kilograms (119 pounds)
- 56 kilograms (123.5 pounds)
- 58 kilograms (127.9 pounds)
Total — 135 kilograms (297.6 pounds)
If she had added one more kilogram (2.2 pounds) to her total, Rory Van Ulft would have Unofficially broken this U17-YO World Record as well.
Related: 9-Year-Old Rory Van Ulft Deadlifts Gargantuan 111-kg (244.7-lb); 3.43x Her Bodyweight
Rory Van Ulft has been training weightlifting for multiple years now and has steadily been improving with every appearance. She has been impressing everyone with other gym lifts as well, having deadlifted 130 kilograms (286.6 pounds) in training before.
However, Rory’s recent Unofficial World Record could potentially be the greatest feat of strength that she has achieved so far. Beating girls that are up to six years older than her is incomprehensible, and it shows that she is the greatest prospect that the US has in the sport of weightlifting. In fact, when she was just 8-years-old, Rory made it her goal to compete in the Olympics. She is definitely moving in the right direction, so fulfilling her goal is looking very likely.
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