Tauranga powerlifter Johnny Kane, 8, claims Kids World Record for 90kg deadlift

An 8-year-old from Tauranga has broken a world record by deadlifting 90kg at a powerlifting competition.

Johnny Kane’s lift at Ruthless Barbell club in the Ruthless Classic makes him the holder of “The Heaviest Deadlift in the Boys’ 7-9 year old Division” after it was certified by the Kids World Records organisation.

Mike Jones, the owner of Ruthless Barbell Club, who put on the event, said they were keen to have Johnny break the record after hearing a boy from across the Ditch had set it.

“There was an Australian boy who got quite a bit of publicity for the kids world record deadlift,” Jones said, “and basically we caught wind of it, and I know Johnny had already been training for a couple of years already.

“We were asked if Johnny can jump in our comp to break that world record or have a crack at that world record, and we said absolutely.”

Johnny completed a 75kg deadlift on his first attempt and quickly followed that with an 82.5kg one.

Eight-year-old Johnny Kane broke a Kids World Record when he completed a 90kg deadlift. Photo / Hayley Earlly

When Johnny then completed the 90kg lift, Jones said the room was ecstatic to have seen the achievement.

“It’s awesome, people love that stuff, man. Powerlifting and the powerlifting community is amazing and when we see stuff like that occurring, it’s fantastic.”

Johnny’s father, who told the Herald he was “super proud” of his son’s achievement, helps his son to train in six-week blocks before competition The pair had a relaxed preparation on the day of the event.

“On the day it was... a good feed in the morning and then just warming up,” he said.

Johnny Kane has set his sights on deadlifting 100kg next. Photo / Supplied

“Obviously there’s a lot going on on those days. He said he was nervous and I told him that’s when I lift the best, so I told him it’s a good thing - and he just did three lifts.”

Jones said a 12-year-old girl was able to complete a 50kg squat, 30kg bench press and 60kg deadlift at the same competition and was optimistic about how achievements like these can help the future of powerlifting in New Zealand.

“More and more young people... largely teenagers, are getting into powerlifting really early, which is fantastic for the sport.

Participants, including Johnny, at the Ruthless Barbell Club's Ruthless Classic. Photo / Hayley Earlly

“And then we have that next step, which is people like Johnny becoming aware of powerlifting as a sport and an avenue.”

Johnny will focus mostly on rugby over the winter, but has his sights set on lifting 100kg before the end of the year.

“He wants to compete in World’s Strongest Man competitions one day, so we’ll see how he goes,” his dad said.

“I can’t wait to see what he can do when he’s in his teenage years and once he’s a grown man; it’ll be cool to watch.”