Krzysztof Wierzbicki isn’t shy about his goals. One day — per a bold, all-caps declaration on his Instagram profile — he wants to deadlift at least 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds). If his latest workout is any indication, he’s well on his way.
On April 12, 2022, the Polish powerlifter reportedly posted an Instagram story of himself deadlifting 461 kilograms (1,016 pounds) for an incredible three reps. The temporary story video is no longer available on Wierzbicki’s profile, but someone did capture it.
Check out the mind-boggling lift below — where Wierzbicski uses a sumo stance and lifting straps, and is without a lifting belt — via the Instagram profile of strongman promoter, Julian Howard:
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Polish Power
With over a decade’s worth of experience, Wierzbicki is no stranger to the professional powerlifting community. He’s been a regular fixture and headliner in the Polish powerlifting scene and has seldom fallen short in making his presence known in international competitions. To date, Wierzbicki has captured 24 individual victories. Perhaps most notably, that includes four wins in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic Powerlifting Championships (2013-2014, 2015, 2017).
Wierzbicki is a well-rounded strength-sports athlete, but the deadlift might be most responsible for his reputation. In particular, he’s in possession of one official and unofficial deadlift record.
During the 2020 National Alliance of Powerlifters (NAP) Siberian Championship, while competing in the 100-kilogram weight class, Wierzbicki successfully pulled the current 433.5-kilogram (955.7-pound) raw deadlift record. The next year, during the 2021 WRPF-POL Mistrzostwa Polski, he locked out what would be a record in most circumstances with a 447.5-kilogram deadlift (986.6 pounds) while competing in the 110-kilogram weight class.
However, because that latter pull happened at a deadlift-only meet, Wierzbicki did not get the official mark. The distinction still belongs to Jamal Browner, who pulled 440.5 kilograms (971.1 pounds) at the 2020 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Hybrid Showdown II — a full power meet.
Wierzbicki’s stellar deadlift has seen a gradual, quality progression. In 2017, he first exceeded a then-IPF world record when he pulled a 420-kilogram deadlift (926 pounds) while competing in the 120-kilogram weight class. Roughly a half-year later, he pulled his unofficial world record again in training, but for three reps.
By the end of the year 2020, Wierzbicki pulled 456 kilograms (1,005 pounds) during training, breaking the 1,000-pound barrier for the first time. He wouldn’t have the nickname “Mr. Deadlift” without a corresponding and appropriate list of achievements to back that billing up.
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[Related: Powerlifter Jessica Buettner Deadlifts 507 Pounds For 6; Crushes 405-Pound Paused Squat For 4 Reps]
The Road to 500 Kilograms
Should Wierzbicki eventually notch the unique, rare mark of a 500-kilogram deadlift (1,102 pounds), he’ll join some exclusive company.
Only two human beings have ever deadlifted at least that much weight — 2017 WSM Champion Eddie Hall and 2018 WSM Champion Hafthor Björnsson. Both accomplished their remarkable deadlifts while wearing lifting straps and deadlift suits, and using conventional stances.
Notably, Hall and Björnsson achieved their marks when they were 28 and 29-years-old, respectively. As a result, Wierzbicki could soon claim the distinct honor of being the first person in their 30s and the oldest to pull 500 kilograms.
The Polish athlete is still 39 kilograms (86 pounds) away from the hallowed mark, but that number seemingly gets smaller by the day. Provided he continues his recent pace, it might only be a matter of time before he joins a legendary deadlift club.
Featured image: @worldsstrongestfan on Instagram
