MONTPELIER — Bear Lake High School student London Clausing discovered powerlifting almost by accident—and it quickly became her passion.

After spending the summer lifting weights, her mom, Rachel, suggested testing a max day and soon realized Clausing had rare strength for her age of just 16 years old. That led the family to search for competitions, and London has now competed in Idaho Falls and Layton, with another meet scheduled in March.

“After lifting in the summer, we decided to have a max day,” Clausing said. “My mom thought I could lift a lot for my age and decided to look up a powerlifting competition.”

Though she had lifted during school for years, everything changed when she began training for competition. Learning commands, mastering technique and chasing new personal records fueled her motivation.

“I get excited every time I get to lift and get a new PR,” she said.

London trains four days a week, lifting for an hour and following it with 20 minutes of stretching.

The dedication has reshaped her physically and mentally. She says she has become stronger, gained confidence and learned how to handle failure in a healthy way.

“When I lift to failure it used to make me mad,” she said. “But the more I lift and go further in this sport I learn that failing is part of growth and getting stronger.”

Rachel has watched that growth firsthand and couldn’t be prouder.

“I have seen a boost in London’s confidence once she started training and competing in powerlifting,” Rachel said.

At Clausing’s first meet, nerves were high, but the kindness of other lifters made an immediate impact. Rachel says the sport’s community helped London feel welcome, supported and brave enough to push herself. By her second competition, Clausing was already more confident, lifting heavier and setting personal bests along with new state records.

Perhaps the biggest impact has been mental strength. Rachel said practicing heavy lifts—including learning how to fail safely—has helped Clausing develop resilience and belief in herself.

“Powerlifting has created a sport for her to excel and feel unstoppable,” Rachel said. “It creates a space where she is only competing against herself and she pushes to do better every single meet.”

Powerlifting has become more than medals or records for Clausing; it’s a mindset. The sport shifts the focus from appearance to ability, offering measurable progress, community support and the confidence that comes from lifting more than you once thought possible.

Clausing hopes other girls will give it a try. Her advice is simple: “Just go and do it, don’t hesitate to sign up… go and do it!!”

Rachel shares that encouragement with parents as well. Their family now lifts together, turning training into meaningful time spent side by side.

“We go to the gym with London and it has been the best time spent together!” she said.

From nerves on her first competition platform to setting records and inspiring others, London Clausing is proving that strength isn’t just about muscles—it’s about courage, confidence and believing you can do anything when you set your mind to it.