In some ways, the 2023 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Ghost Clash 2 might have been the first significant powerlifting meet of the calendar year. While there were a whole host of impressive and victorious performances at the Miami, FL, competition, Hunter Henderson’s output might have taken the strength cake.
On Feb. 19, 2023, as an 82.5-kilogram competitor, Henderson set an all-time World Record squat with knee sleeves of 267.5 kilograms (589.7 pounds) during the WRPF contest. With the feat, Henderson broke the previous raw record, which she also held, in the 82.5-kilogram weight class after squatting 250 kilograms (551.1 pounds). That mark occurred at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Hybrid Showdown 4 in January 2022. A year later, the athlete has added 17.4 kilograms (38.6 pounds) to her previous raw best. In addition to her knee sleeves, Henderson also donned wrist wraps and a lifting belt during the squat.
It seemed apparent the lift was of little issue for Henderson. After attaining appropriate depth, Henderson exploded with ease, showing minimal signs of struggle to build on her own World Record. What’s more, Henderson appeared to use this competitive setting as a showcase, actually breaking the record on her second squat attempt when she successfully lifted 257.5 kilograms (567.7 pounds). The competitor’s final lift looked to be more about extending her own mark rather than strategically holding back in earlier attempts to focus on one impressive performance.
Her raw World Records aside, according to Open Powerlifting, Henderson possesses two squats with wraps records. One in the 75-kilogram class with a squat of 294.9 kilograms (650.3 pounds) from the 2021 WRPF Kern US Open. While the other 82.5-kilogram weight class squat of 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds) occurred at the 2022 WRPF FQ Classic 2.
Now, Henderson can add another record notch to her ever-expanding belt of accomplishments on sanctioned lifting platforms.
With 2023 still in its early stages, only time will tell what other achievements Henderson adds to her mantle in the coming months. If she’s adding that much weight to her own record within roughly a year’s time, it’s clear this is an athlete with more room to expand and more records likely to be set.
Featured image: @ironrebel on Instagram
