On Oct. 9, 2022, during the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) The Croqueta Classic, Craig Foster scored a 465-kilogram (1,025.1-pound) raw back squat while competing in the +140-kilogram division. Per Foster’s caption in an Instagram post recapping his performance at the contest, the top squat is a new personal record (PR) for the powerlifter.
Foster’s new all-time competition best raw squat officially matches his all-time competition best with wraps from the 2022 WRPF Ghost Clash in February 2022. The athlete donned a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps to help him with his leg power achievement. (Note: At the time of this writing, in terms of official results, Foster’s PR squat is all that is clear about his recent performance.)
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In addition to notching a new PR, Foster further cemented himself in the annals of powerlifting history. Foster’s 465-kilogram (1,025.1) squat is the third-heaviest raw squat ever, behind Ray Williams (490 kilograms/1,080.2 pounds) and Jezza Uepa (470 kilograms/1,036.1 pounds).
Not the best day but the most fun I’ve had in a meet in a long time.
Foster might be among the current athletes unofficially chasing Williams’ World Record crown atop the squat mountain. One of his other notable peers is Jesus Olivares, who eclipsed the 1,000-pound squat barrier for the first time in a mid-September 2022 workout. However, according to Open Powerlifting, Foster’s new top squat still paces ahead of Olivares’ best on an official basis by 15 kilograms (33.1 pounds), leaving Foster with pole position to potentially challenge Williams’ figure in time.
Here’s a complete overview of Foster’s all-time raw competition bests:
*Craig Foster | All-Time Raw Competition Bests
- Squat — 465 kilograms (1,025.1 pounds) | All-time third-heaviest raw powerlifting squat
- Bench Press — 272.5 kilograms (600.7 pounds)
- Deadlift — 310 kilograms (683.4 pounds)
- Total — 1,040 kilograms (2,292.8 pounds)
*Note: Foster may have scored new PRs on his other lifts during the 2022 WRPF The Croqueta Classic, but that is unknown at the time of this writing.
In a career that dates back to December 2017, Foster can boast four victories and has never failed to qualify for the podium. Here’s a rundown of some of the more notable results from Foster’s competitive resume:
*Craig Foster | Notable Career Results
- 2018 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Florida State Championships (Open/Raw) — First place
- 2019 USPA Battle of the Bay V (Open/Raw) — First place
- 2019 USPA Florida Throwdown (Open/Raw) — First place
- 2020 WRPF The Showdown (Open/Raw) — Second place
- 2021 WRPF Kern US Open (Open/Raw) — Third place
- 2021 WRPF The Bucked Up Showdown (Open/Raw) — Second place
- 2022 WRPF Ghost Clash (Open/Wraps) — Third place
*Note: Results from Foster’s performance at the 2022 WRPF The Croqueta Classic have not been included because, at the time of this article’s publication, it is also unclear where he stood at the end.
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With a new squat PR in his back pocket, Foster might be tempted to focus on his training for a little while. The athlete hasn’t yet alluded to any potential upcoming competitions. That said, for one of the greatest powerlifting squatters ever, it might be only a matter of time before Foster is making waves again.
Featured image: @craig_pawgking_foster on Instagram
