Updated

A 9-year-old girl who developed a love of fitness as a means to cope with bullying has become the youngest competitor to complete a 24-hour obstacle course designed by the U.S. Navy. Milla Bizzotto, who weighs 53 pounds, raced 36 miles, swam eight kilometers and completed 25 obstacles during the race, The New York Post reported.

Bizzotto, who was the only competitor under 18 in the March 4 race, wanted to set an example for the kids who bullied her and trained five days per week for three hours per day with her father, who owns a gym.

“People would call me names and say I wasn’t a good player,” Bizzotto, who lives in Miami, 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.”

In addition to showing up her bullies, Bizzotto said she also wants to inspire others in her generation to eat healthy and go outside to play.

More on this...