For some, the 2022 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Classic Powerlifting Championships were about extending a reign on top. For others, it was about enjoying a breakthrough podium moment, with a variety of near-victories in the rearview mirror. British powerlifter Sophia Ellis fits the latter category.
On Dec. 3, 2022, Ellis captured her first career European title at the 2022 EPF European Championships. The athlete competed raw in the 76-kilogram weight class — her competitive division dating back to early March 2020. The strength contest took place from Nov. 25, 2022, to Dec. 4, 2022, in Skierniewice, Poland.
Amidst her championship performance, Ellis scored a new European and British Record in the 76-kilogram class on the deadlift — successfully pulling 240.5 kilograms (530.2 pounds) for those top marks. Ellis completed her deadlift from a sumo stance while using a mixed grip and wore just a lifting belt.
In addition to her new deadlift records, Ellis matched her all-time raw competition best bench press of 122.5 kilograms (270 pounds). She scored her new all-time raw competition best total of 528 kilograms (1,164 pounds), surpassing her previous best of 527.5 kilograms (1,162.9 pounds) by half a kilogram (1.1 pounds). Both past bench press and total figures occurred at the 2022 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Arnold Sports Festival.
Here’s an overview of the top stats from Ellis’s complete performance at the 2022 EPF European Classic Championships:
2022 EPF European Classic Championships Results | Sophia Ellis (76KG)
- Squat — 165 kilograms (363.8 pounds)
- Bench Press — 122.5 kilograms (270 pounds) | Equals All-Time Raw Competition Best
- Deadlift — 240.5 kilograms (530.2 pounds) | European and British Record
- Total — 528 kilograms (1,164 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition PR
Prior to her victory at the 2022 EPF European Championships, the highlight of Ellis’s powerlifting career was arguably her 76-kilogram division win at the 2022 British Powerlifting (BP) British Classic Women’s Championships.
Ellis also boasts a top-four finish in the 76-kilogram class at the 2021 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
In a post on her Instagram after the European competition, Ellis beamed with pride and reflected on what the win might have meant to her late father.
“This still feels so surreal, but I won … European Champion 2022!” Ellis wrote. “It means the absolute world to me to have won this championship and stand on top of that platform … I know Dad is looking down, celebrating with me.”
Featured image: @sophiastrength on Instagram
