Nicky....
I agree, 13 years is too young.
But.... your example is not 'proof' nor even indicative. The reason why good weight lifters are short may NOT be due to starting too young. It could well be because short limbs are better for leverage AND becasue the height to which you havw to lift the weight (and thus the amount of energy used) is proportional to the height of the lifter. Short lifters use less energy.
You could just as well argue that all Formula 1 drivers are short BECAUSE racing stunts your growth..... whereas we all KNOW that they are short (and thus light) because they are SELECTED by their height and weight. A quick shorty will be selected in preference to a quick LANKY!
Just keep the lad (lass?) fit through normal sports, exercise and food and spend your time making sure they are ENJOYING karting while getting as many other 'qualifications' (GCSEs, A levels, etc.) as they can because his/her chance of the 'big time' in racing is MICROSCOPIC. The other qualifications will mean that he/she can get a job IF the racing fails to live up to aspirations!
Explain to them that you need to keep EVERY door 'open' so that you are ABLE to choose which door matters to you when you HAVE to decide. Good qualifications are just ONE of those 'doors'!
Ian
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