Eight-year-old Rayya Howard is making waves by lifting weights that would challenge many adults. Hailing from Nashville, she recently appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, leaving the host, Jennifer Hudson, absolutely astounded by her athletic prowess.

Jennifer Hudson, an EGOT winner, introduced Rayya as a record-setting weightlifter. As soon as the cameras captured this diminutive dynamo, viewers could see why she stands out. Rayya, who can lift an impressive 158 pounds, shared her ambitions of becoming both an Olympic champion and a WWE superstar. During her chat with the Dream Girls star, she recounted how her journey started in the gym.

Rayya demonstrated her incredible strength by executing a deadlift on the show, and the audience’s reaction was one of sheer amazement. Jennifer Hudson wasn’t just impressed by Rayya’s physical abilities, but also intrigued by the determination that drives her. The segment quickly became a viral sensation, prompting many to search for more about this extraordinary child.

However, Rayya’s story extends beyond her television appearance. Her journey began well before she started school. In an earlier interview with Nashville’s WSMV, her coach, Osman Manzanares, revealed a deep connection, saying he has known Rayya since the day she was born.

Coach Osman shared, “I’ve known Rayya since the first day that she was born.” Even before her arrival, Rayya’s training was underway. “Her parents had her in the gym at a young age,” he noted, pointing out that there is footage of her mother working out while 34 weeks pregnant.

“I’ve known Rayya since the first day that she was born,” said her coach Osman Manzanares. And before baby Rayya even arrived, she was basically already in training. “Her parents had her in the gym at a young age…” And yes, there’s actual video of her mother exercising at 34 weeks pregnant.

On any given day, you’ll find Rayya at the Nashville Weightlifting Club “… cleaning, pressing and recording her progress.” She told WSMV, “I have to think about pulling hard, knees out, toes a little bit out.”

Rayya has quickly become a young name to remember. Her coach, who is an 18-time national champion and three-time world champion, has no doubt she has what it takes to make all of her dreams come true.

“I want to be the strongest person in the whole world,” said Rayya.

Her family even hopes to take her to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, not to compete yet, but to watch and visualize her future. Her mom put it simply, “… you can do whatever you want to do, and you don’t have to live your life in fear.”

Photo Credit: Rayya Howard Instagram