The 2023 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic Powerlifting Championships have featured a variety of jaw-dropping performances from a few household names like Chapon and Connor. The latest record stunner in Valletta, Malta, belongs to young star powerlifter Brian Le. During the global contest taking place on June 11-18, 2023, Le successfully deadlifted 300.5 kilograms (662.5 pounds) raw while competing in the 66-kilogram category.
The massive pull is an IPF World Record in the 66-kilogram class and helped Le capture second place in that same division. Panagiotis Tarinidis was the 66-kilogram champion, just above Le. His mark eclipses Kasemsand Senumong’s past 66-kilogram deadlift World Record of 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds) from the 2022 AsianPF Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships. Le wore a lifting belt to help assist him with the milestone lift while utilizing a mixed grip and sumo pulling stance.
Per his page on Open Powerlifting, Le’s silver medal at the 2023 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships was just the second time he’s lost a contest in his last 10 competitive appearances. Notably, Le is the defending Powerlifting America (AMP) Classic National Champion after winning that competition in late February 2023.
Even without a victory, the 2023 IPF Worlds were Le’s sanctioned international debut. He seemed to maximize the opportunity with a new deadlift achievement in the IPF World Record books. Here’s an overview of Le’s complete performance from his first appearance in an international setting:
Brian Le (66KG) | 2023 IPF Worlds Top Stats
- Squat — 242.5 kilograms (534.6 pounds)
- Bench Press — 152.5 kilograms (336.2 pounds)
- Deadlift — 300.5 kilograms (662.5 pounds) | IPF World Record
- Total — 695.5 kilograms (1,533.1 pounds)
At the minimum, Le could’ve been in a position for all-time raw competition personal records (PRs) on his other staple lifts. However, the athlete missed one bench press attempt, one squat attempt, and two of his three deadlift tries, even while setting the World Record on his first pull. While this performance remains something to marvel at, Le could have something to build on in the future.
Even in his mid-20s, Le has established himself as a powerlifter to watch, both domestically and abroad. At the time of this writing, it is unclear when Le will take his strength and talents to an international place again. Whenever the time does come around, the powerlifter seems sure to put on a show.
Featured image: @theipf on Instagram
