Nine-year-old makes U.S. Navy obstacle race look like child’s play
Nine-year-old Milla Bizzotto began cross-training and obstacle course racing after being bullied in school. She's now one of the top racers in the country.
While most kids (excluding this Usain Bolt prodigy) may be tempted by the latest console system or new gadget, nine-year-old Milla Bizzotto is out conquering obstacle course races. She hopes to inspire the “iPad generation,” a term she coined on Instagram, to get outside and engage in physical activity.
Milla finished a 24-hour obstacle course, with the Washington Post reporting that she’s the youngest ever to complete the event, designed by the U.S. Navy for SEALs. The course includes 58K of running, 8K of swimming and 25 obstacles over the six laps. The race took place March on 4th to 5th at Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami.
The Florida resident weighs 53 lbs and was motivated to begin cross-training and strength exercises after she was bullied in school. Now she’s one of the strongest athletes in her age group and is completing races designed for the U.S. military.
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“People would call me names and say I wasn’t a good player,” Milla told the Miami Herald. “I didn’t want anyone else to go through what I did. I want to set an example and show other kids that they can do or be anything they want.”
Working on my pull-up game getting ready for #TheAthleteRace! #AROO @christian_bizzotto
A video posted by Milla Star (@millastarfma) on
She trains for three hours at a time, five days per week, and completes homework in the car in the early morning. She has a sports medicine doctor and several coaches to guide her through workouts and nutrition.
Milla was allowed to compete because she was accompanied by her father, Christian, as the event made a special exemption for the young athlete.
During the race, she slept between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., according to the Washington Post.
Her parents support her racing and training though, according to the Miami Herald, they also recognize that it can on occasions be a bit extreme considering her young age.
A photo posted by Milla Star (@millastarfma) on
Want some tips for obstacle course racing for upcoming events this summer? Now is the perfect time to fit in some cross-training and strength routines.
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