Competing in the +84KG Masters 2 (50-59 years old) class, Johnson claimed her first IPF Masters World Championships title in historic fashion by deadlifting 562.2 pounds (255 kilograms) on her final attempt. Not only did the 53-year-old impress the audience by setting the raw deadlift World Record for her division, but she also cemented her case as an all-time great by setting the +84KG Masters 2 IPF World Record with a total of 1,267.7 pounds (575 kilograms).

Johnson’s dominant showing during the Oct. 8-15 event ended a near decade-long reign for Manaena Sonia, who set the +84 Masters 2 deadlift World Record at the 2014 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships by locking out 507.1 pounds (230 kilograms). In fact, Johnson surpassed Sonia on her first attempt by successfully hitting 509.3 pounds (231 kilograms).

That set the stage for a powerful rep of 540.1 pounds (245 kilograms) on her second attempt, followed by a third lift that officially put her 53 pounds (24 kilograms) ahead of the previous world record.

Here’s a breakdown of Johnson’s top performances at the contest:

Patricia Johnson (+84KG) | 2023 IPF World Masters Championships Top Stats

• Squat — 440.9 pounds (200 kilograms)
• Bench Press — 264.5 pounds (120 kilograms)
• Deadlift — 562.2 pounds (255 kilograms) — IPF World Record
• Total — 1,267.7 pounds (575 kilograms) — IPF World Record

Although Johnson just missed out on setting a back squat PR, she matched her personal all-time best performance on the bench. She also found herself well ahead of the pack by the time the competition concluded. Johnson’s record-setting total blew away second-place finisher Ali Cosner with a 292.1-pound (132.5-kilogram) difference.

Johnson’s also bested the previous World Record total of 1,118.8 pounds (507.5 kilograms), also set by Sonia at the 2014 IPF Worlds, by a margin of 148.9 pounds (67.5 kilograms).

As a gathering of some of the most experienced powerlifters from around the globe, it may not have been a surprise that Johnson wasn’t the only competitor to pad their powerlifting resume over the week-long event.

2023 IPF World Masters Championships World Records

Athletes from several non-equipped Masters divisions set world records at this year’s international competition.

Squat

• Franklin Leon (59KG) — 490.5 pounds (222.5 kilograms) — Men’s Masters 1 (ages 40-49)
• Rebecca Coggle (+84KG) — 475.1 pounds (215.5 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 1 (ages 40-49)
• Suzanne Hartwig-Gary (57KG) — 300.9 pounds (136.5 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 2 (ages 50-59)
• Dr. Brita Fritsch (69KG) — 332.9 pounds (151 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 2 (ages 50-59)
• Mia Ohrnell (84KG) — 370.4 pounds (168 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 2 (ages 50-59)
• Elsa Palsdottir (76KG) — 308.6 pounds (140 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 3 (ages 60-69)

Bench Press

• Chris Aviado (66KG) – 359.4 pounds (163 kilograms) — Men’s Masters 1 (ages 40-49)
• Hiroyuki Isagawa (59KG) — 220.5 pounds (100 kilograms) — Men’s Masters 4 (ages 70+)

Deadlift

• Franklin Leon (59KG) — 529.1 pounds (240 kilograms) — Men’s Masters 1 (ages 40-49)
• Jamaal Grimes (74KG) — 679 pounds (308 kilograms) — Men’s Masters 1 (ages 40-49)
• Mitsuhiro Uraki (59KG) — 424.4 pounds (192.5 kilograms) — Men’s Masters 3 (ages 60-69)
• Sylvia Atkinson (76KG) — 436.5 pounds (198 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 2 (ages 50-59)
• Elsa Palsdottir (76KG) — 375.9 pounds (170.5 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 3 (ages 60-69)
• Tracy Chipping (84KG) — 353.8 pounds (160.5 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 3 (ages 60-69)
• Charito A Klovstad (57KG) — 275.6 pounds (125 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 4 (ages 70+)

Total

• Franklin Leon (59KG) — 1,277.6 pounds (597.5 kilograms) — Men’s Masters 1 (ages 40-49)
• Mitsuhiro Uraki (59KG) — 936.9 pounds (425 kilograms) — Men’s Masters 3 (ages 60-69)
• Monique Boddie (+84KG) — 1,284.2 pounds (582.5 kilograms) — Women’s Masters 1 (ages 40-49)

Despite being one of more than a dozen record-breakers at the meet, Johnson certainly left her mark in Mongolia by smashing two records that stood for almost a decade. If she continues on the same path that brought her this far, she should be able to rack up even more championship hardware and continue stamping her name in the record books over the coming years.

Featured Image: @drpatjohnsonpro / Instagram

The post Powerlifter Patricia Johnson (+84KG) Sets Pair of World Records at 2023 IPF World Masters Championships appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Sept. 26, 2023, the show’s official Instagram account posted a photo of the cast for the upcoming revival. For fans of the CrossFit Games, Gladiators will provide an opportunity to watch some of Australia’s top athletes compete in a much different arena.

Among the notable names is veteran Khan Porter, who finished second nationally in 2020. The lone male CrossFit Games competitor to get selected, he’ll be joined by fellow CrossFit athletes Alethea Boon, Katelin van Zyl, and Harriet Roberts. 

Besides being a five-year CrossFit Games competitor, Boon also represented her country at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2002 as an elite gymnast. Plus, the New Zealand native showcased her versatility by competing in her third Commonwealth Games as an Olympic weightlifter in the under-58-kilogram weight category. She impressively made the switch 16 years after her last appearance as a gymnast.  

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Van Zyl currently ranks 25th worldwide among women and second in Australia behind only Ellie Turner (ninth worldwide). No stranger to contact sports, she made the switch to CrossFit after a jaw injury ended her professional hockey career. Given the high-impact nature of many of the challenges, Gladiators could prove to be the perfect fit for Van Zyl, who finished fourth at the 2023 CrossFit Oceania Semifinal.

The original series, which ran from 1995-96, featured athletes like former Junior Mr. Universe Michael Melksham (“Taipan”) and former professional rugby player Mark McGaw (“Hammer”) going up against challengers in various events that tested their physical and mental strength and skill. Just like it did in the United States, the show garnered a loyal audience in Australia during its three-season run thanks to its unique setup and charismatic cast.

Although a 2008 revival ultimately ended after 15 episodes, the third edition has the potential to stick around based on the collective talent of the 12-person cast. After all, the newest additions to the Gladiator family – including Ironman competitor Jeff Kenny and former pro rugby player Sandor Earl – come with some impressive credentials. 

In addition to CrossFit, the show will also shine the spotlight on the sports of bodybuilding and powerlifting by featuring Kwame Duah and Jaymi Morris. The former has nearly 400,000 followers on Instagram and the advantage of having competed on the Ninja Warrior series. The latter is a fierce competitor of her own with a personal-best raw total of 914.9 pounds. 

Morris has been one of Australia’s top female lifters for nearly two years, capturing first place in each of her last six competitions. The New South Wales native most recently took home top honors with a raw deadlift of 551.1 pounds at the Conquerer of the Coast competition on Aug. 5, 2023. 

For Gladiators fans, the 2024 reboot will still feature classic events like Hang Tough, Duel, The Wall, Power Ball, Pyramid, and The Eliminator. However, the show will have a fresh feel with a strong cast of stars and the co-host duo of Beau Ryan (who hosts the Amazing Race) and Liz Ellis. 

Here is the complete Gladiator lineup for the 2024 reboot: 

• Alethea Boon (“Elektra”) – Five-time CrossFit Games Athlete
• Blessings Chilufya (“Cyclone”) – F45 Trainer
• Chanique Greyling (“Halo”) – Stuntwoman
• Damien Rider (“Cobra”) – Fitness Guru
• Harriet Roberts (“Arrow”) – Four-time CrossFit Games Athlete
• Jaymi Morris (“Chaos”) – Professional Powerlifter
• Jett Kenny (“Viking”) – Ironman Athlete
• Katelin van Zyl (“Raven”) – Three-time CrossFit Games Athlete
• Khan Porter (“Spartan”) – Seven-time CrossFit Games Athlete
• Kwame Duah (“Maximus”) – Professional Bodybuilder
• Sandor Earl (“Phoenix”) – Former National Rugby League (NRL) Player
• Tatyanna Dumas (“Comet”) – Ninja Warrior Winner

No announcement has been made about the date of the first episode. Luckily for Gladiators fans, at least they can start learning more about the latest collection of athletes who will be showcasing their skills on screen. 

The post CrossFit Games Athletes, Powerlifting Champion Among Big Names to Join Gladiator TV Series Reboot  appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The 2018 World’s Strongest Man and three-time winner of the Arnold Strongman Classic made headlines in February of 2023 when he officially came out of retirement. However, just two months later, Björnsson encountered a serious setback in his quest to prove his dominance again when he tore his pectoral muscle during a powerlifting competition held at Thor’s Power Gym in Kópavogur, Iceland.

Nearly six months since suffering the injury that forced him to alter his training plans, Björnsson shared a video on his YouTube channel on Sept. 21, 2023 detailing his decision to take his career in a different (but familiar) direction.

“As of now, because of the injury, I feel like it’s the smartest decision for me to step away for a little bit, keep training, keep building up the static strength,” Björnsson explained. “Then at some point later on in my journey, maybe a year from now, two years from now, three years from now, I might pick it back up.”

This isn’t the first (or likely the last) time the 2023 International Sports Hall of Fame inductee has switched his athletic priorities. After earning a reputation as an all-time great strongman, Björnsson retired from the sport in August 2020 and subsequently competed in both boxing and powerlifting.

Although he didn’t fare quite as well in the ring, the experience of changing sports provided some important perspective.

“When I decided to do powerlifting in the first place, after being in boxing for two years, I set my goals so high and I was getting strong so fast that my body wasn’t ready for it, and that’s why I got injured, in my opinion,” Björnsson said. “I need to be smart with my training. I need to give myself more time to build up that static strength.”

After providing his rationale for putting his powerlifting aspirations on pause, the legendary competitor gave a simple explanation behind his decision to return to strongman.

“The main reason is just because I have so much love for the sport,” Björnsson said.

Motivated to make a successful comeback, the man known for portraying “The Mountain” in the television series “Game of Thrones” plans to take a patient approach to the process. Björnsson said he will take things at his own pace as he prepares to compete again.

“I’m obviously going to set big goals for myself, but when I’m going to go into a competition I’m going to do my best,” he explained. “What that means is I’m not going to be chasing a man, chasing a record, chasing something right away. I need my body to get used to the heavy lifting. I need my tendons to get stronger, and that just takes time overall.”

Despite being three years removed from his last strongman contest — a championship title at Iceland’s Strongest Man in August of 2020 — it might not be long before Björnsson captures his 39th victory in the sport.

Once he returns to active status and competes again, he would be automatically qualified to enter the 2024 World’s Strongest Man thanks to his status as a former champion. Of course, if that occurs, the Iceland native would face a tall task to take down reigning winner Mitchell Hooper, who became the first Canadian-born victor in April 2023.

But if Björnsson wins his second World’s Strongest Man title six years after earning his first, that might just be the most impressive accomplishment of his decorated career.

Featured Image: Hafthor Björnsson / YouTube

The post Hafthor Björnsson Puts Powerlifting on Pause for Return to Strongman Competition appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

These feats of strength left an indelible impression and, sooner or later, they found their way into the gym and began developing their own muscular prowess. A few of the most straightforward avenues for lifters to test themselves is with “the big three” powerlifts — the squat, bench press, and deadlift.

Competitive powerlifting offers a chance for lifters of any age, size, or experience to compare themselves to modern day peers as well as legendary lifters of the past. Here’s a look at what it takes to complete remarkable powerlifting performances.

Powerlifting Records

• What is Powerlifting?
• Powerlifting Divisions and Categories
• Current Powerlifting Records

What is Powerlifting?

To begin on page one, it’s important to understand what “powerlifting” actually is. While it might sound counterintuitive, powerlifting is distinctly different from weightlifting. The sport of weightlifting, as presented in the Summer Olympics, challenges athletes with the snatch and clean & jerk movements. Powerlifting tests athletes with the back squat, flat bench press, and deadlift (either conventional stance or sumo) to complete a “total” weight lifted for the contest.

The sport of powerlifting formally began in 1964 with “The Powerlifting Tournament of America” being the first organized and recognized competition of the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Perhaps not coincidentally, the contest was held in York, Pennsylvania — home of US Olympic weightlifting coach and founder of York Barbell, Bob Hoffman.

As powerlifting continued to grow, both across the United States and internationally. By the 1980s, it was considered a full-fledged, albeit niche, competitive sport. From the late 1970s until the early 2010s, it garnered enough widespread attention to warrant a dedicated print magazine, Powerlifting USA, which showcased sport-specific news and training features.

As the sport of powerlifting grew in popularity, recreational lifters found a relatable outlet for testing their strength. While Olympic weightlifting is largely considered to rely on significant exercise technique, the big three powerlifts are relatively more simple to learn, making them more accessible to the average gym-goer.

Powerlifting, in general, has nearly become synonymous with simply trying to build sheer strength in the gym. However, the sport itself has always revolved around three foundational exercises performed under specific criteria. If lifts are performed with different or “loose” technique, they’re ineligible for an official record.

Squat

In a powerlifting competition, the barbell back squat is the first of three movements tested. Depending on the specific federation and ruleset, the barbell is either supported on squat stands or in a monolift — a hydraulic-assisted machine which allows lifters to set up in a squat stance without repositioning their feet.

Powerlifting squats are universally tested by requiring lifters to descend until their hip joint is parallel to their knee joint. This is where the common cue “squat to parallel” comes from. Contrary to some common opinions, “parallel” is not necessarily related to the lifter’s thigh position because heavily muscled legs may not appear to reach parallel when the hip is at a suitable depth.

Lifters may use either a low bar or high bar setup, depending on their individual preference. The key performance factor is reaching the target depth, and the lifter’s body type and mobility will dictate their most efficient technique.

Bench Press

The flat barbell bench press is the sole test of pure upper body strength in a powerlifting competition. The majority of powerlifting federations have grip standards, often maintaining a grip that has at least one finger in contact with the pre-set ring markers on the barbell. Lifters must keep their head, shoulders, and glutes in contact with the bench throughout the entire press, while also keeping their feet touching the floor.

The barbell is lowered to chest-level and must remain in contact with the athlete’s body until a judge gives the “press” command to begin the ascent. This ensures a consistent depth marker for each lifter while helping to prevent momentum from bouncing the bar off of the chest. The bar is then held in the locked out position until the lifter receives a judge’s command to “rack.”

Controversially, lifters may initially set up with an arch in their lower back which may add pressing stability and reduce their range of motion, making the lift less challenging. However, some federations, such as the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), have taken steps to limit the degree of arch lifters may use.

Deadlift

“The meet doesn’t start until the bar hits the floor,” is a common phrase heard in powerlifting circles to emphasize the importance of the contest’s final movement — the deadlift. With the bar beginning on the floor, lifters must complete a deadlift in one smooth motion. Jerking or “hitching” the bar up the thighs disqualifies the lift. Full lockout is achieved when the lifter’s legs are straight and their shoulders are behind the bar.

In competition, powerlifters are not allowed to use lifting straps, but can grab the bar with a double-overhand, mixed (over/underhand), or hook grip (grabbing the thumbs along the underside of the bar).

Internet meme culture seems to enjoy claiming that “sumo deadlifts don’t count,” but no actual powerlifting organization has fallen in line with that approach. Lifters are free to choose their own deadlift stance — conventional, sumo, or somewhere in between — according to their individual leverages and optimal power output.

Total

The powerlifter’s total is the sum of their best performance in each of the three lifts. Powerlifters get three attempts for each movement, with only the highest weight being tallied for their total. If a lifter fails all three attempts at an exercise (aka “bombs out”), they are unable to post a total.

Informally and outside of competitions, some lifters recognize benchmarks such as “the 1,000-pound club” (454 kilograms), where a 1,000-pound/454-kilogram total is reached in the big three lifts in a recreational gym setting.

In competition, an elite total is generally considered to be 10-times the lifter’s body weight. However, in men’s heavier weight classes (generally 220-pounds/100-kilograms), totals approaching 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) are considered “elite,” and are the sign of a highly advanced strength athlete. Women’s competitors have ideal totals that are similar, but reduced slightly.

Powerlifting Divisions and Categories

Competitors in the sport of powerlifting are separated not only by weight class, but by age group, sex assigned at birth, and the use (or lack) of supportive equipment. Each of these variables are relevant factors to determining powerlifting records.

Weight Classes

In the majority of powerlifting federations, weight classes are broken up in roughly 15 to 25-pound (seven to 11 and a half-kilogram) increments. The IPF — the oldest, largest, and arguably most well-known federation — has eight weight classes for men and women, all using slightly adjusted categorizations compared to other federations. The most commonly found weight classes are as follows:

Men’s weight classes:

• 52 kilograms (114 pounds)
• 56 kilograms (123 pounds)
• 60 kilograms (132 pounds)
• 67.5 kilograms (148 pounds)
• 75 kilograms (165 pounds)
• 82.5 kilograms (181 pounds)
• 90 kilograms (198 pounds)
• 100 kilograms (220 pounds)
• 110 kilograms (242 pounds)
• 125 kilograms (275 pounds)
• 140 kilograms (308 pounds)
• 140+ kilograms (above 308 pounds)

Women’s weight classes:

• 44 kilograms (97 pounds)
• 48 kilograms (105 pounds)
• 52 kilograms (114 pounds)
• 56 kilograms (123 pounds)
• 60 kilograms (132 pounds)
• 67.5 kilograms (148 pounds)
• 75 kilograms (165 pounds)
• 82.5 kilograms (181 pounds)
• 90 kilograms (198 pounds)
• 90+ kilograms (above 198 pounds)

At competitions, athletes typically weigh-in no more than two hours before the start of the contest and they must weigh below the weight cap for their class. This helps to ensure that athletes in a given weight class are competing at generally comparable body sizes.

Age Groups

Similarly, age divisions are most often categorized by younger athletes (Sub-Junior and Junior), open competitors (without specific age guidelines), and Masters (lifters over 40 years old).

Sub-Junior lifters are generally 14 to 18 years old, while Junior lifters are 19 to 23 years old. To more accurately designate competitors, Masters athletes are typically sorted into five to 10-year increments. For example, “Masters I” may incorporate ages 40 to 49; “Masters II,” ages 50 to 59; “Masters III” would include 60 to 69-year old competitors, and “Masters IV” collectively compares athletes over 70.

Men and Women

The majority of powerlifting federations require athletes to compete according to the gender they were assigned at birth. In recent years, this has become an increasingly complicated situation particularly with regard to transgender strength athletes.

The categorization, and whether or not the athletes can compete in any capacity, often comes down to the individual powerlifting organization. For example, USA Powerlifting (USAPL) does not permit female-to-male athletes to compete in the Men’s division. The USAPL stands by their consistent stance which forbids any athlete from competing when using external androgens for therapeutic use, whether it is a transgender athlete maintaining normal-range testosterone levels or an aging cisgender men’s competitor maintaining similar testosterone levels.

The USAPL also does not allow male-to-female athletes to compete in the Women’s division, citing potentially lingering physiological benefits the athlete may experience from the period before transition. However, the data on those benefits is mixed, and potentially negligible. (1)

The IPF, however, follows the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines regarding transgender athletes. In the IPF, as well as several other organizations, male-to-female athletes may compete in the Women’s division as long as they meet specific criteria such as declaring their gender identity and maintaining it for a minimum of four years, as well as documenting decreased testosterone levels for at least 12 months prior to competing.

The IPF also allows female-to-male powerlifters to compete as long as their testosterone levels are within the normal range for Men’s competitors.

Raw vs. Equipped

Raw lifting and equipped lifting are two of the most significant forks in the road when it comes to competitive powerlifting. The differentiation is built around whether or not the powerlifting wears specialized clothing to support and assist each movement.

In raw powerlifting, athletes typically use a weightlifting belt to support their core, knee sleeves to stabilize their knee joints during the squat, and wrist wraps for joint stability during the bench press. Knee wraps, which differ from sleeves and provide more direct benefit to increasing squat strength, are sometimes considered a slight variation of raw lifting — often designated “raw with wraps.”

With equipped lifting, competitors are allowed to use specially designed shirts and/or briefs (shorts) which aid in the completion of the lifts. The unique gear is essentially designed to be extremely stiff, which resists bending or flexing. While this can be an advantage in locking out the weight on a given exercise, it also makes the descent more challenging.

Equipped gear is designed in a variety of “levels” — single-ply or multi-ply — depending on the amount of assistance provided, as determined by the thickness and construction of the gear. Equipped lifting generally allows the use of heavier weights in competition.

However, equipped records in the deadlift are, interestingly, rarely higher than raw deadlifts. Likely due to standard deadlift technique, starting in the bottom position, which doesn’t allow briefs to provide significant assistance.

Current Powerlifting Records

For some general context, here’s a brief snapshot of several powerlifting records which currently stand (as of the time of this writing).

Squat

• 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds) Men’s Raw — Austin Perkins — 74.9 kilograms (165 pounds)
• 342.5 kilograms (755 pounds) Men’s Multi-Ply — Gerard McNamara — 60 kilograms (132 pounds)
• 366 kilograms (806.9 pounds) Raw with Wraps — Chris Pugh — 82.1 kilograms (181 pounds)
• 471 kilograms (1,038.3 pounds) Men’s Single-Ply — Ed Coan 109.8 kilograms (242 pounds)
• 490 kilograms (1,080.2 pounds) Men’s Raw — Ray Williams — 140+ kilograms (308+ pounds)
• 162 kilograms (354.9 pounds) Women’s Raw — Tiffany Chapon — 47.6 kilograms (105 pounds)
• 263 kilograms (578.7 pounds) Women’s Single-Ply — Carola Garra — 67.1 kilograms (148 pounds)
• 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds) Women’s Raw with Wraps — Hunter Henderson — 82.1 kilograms (181 pounds)
• 285.5 kilograms (629.4 pounds) Women’s Raw — Sonita Muluh — 90+ kilograms (198+ pounds)
• 367.5 kilograms (810.2 pounds) Women’s Multi-Ply — Amber Hanson — 90 kilograms (198 pounds)

Bench Press

• 205.5 kilograms (453 pounds) Men’s Masters II Raw — David Ricks — 93 kilograms (205 pounds)
• 213.4 kilograms (470.7 pounds) Men’s Raw — Eddie Berglund — 67.1 kilograms (148 pounds)
• 272.8 kilograms (600.7 pounds) Men’s Raw — John Haack — 99.8 kilograms (220 pounds)
• 351.5 kilograms (774.9 pounds) Men’s Single-Ply — Kostiantyn Musiienko — 99.8 kilograms (220 Pounds)
• 408.3 kilograms (900 pounds) Men’s Multi-Ply — Jason Coker — 89.8 kilograms  (198 pounds)
• 142.9 kilograms (315 pounds) Women’s Raw — Cosette Neely — 44 kilograms (97 Pounds)
• 146 kilograms (321.8 pounds) Women’s Masters I Raw — Jennifer Thompson — 67.1 kilograms (148 pounds)
• 182.5 kilograms (402.3 pounds) Women’s Raw — Emily Hu — 59.8 kilograms (132 pounds)
• 225 kilograms (496 pounds) Women’s Single-Ply — Rhaea Stinn — 82.1 kilograms (181 pounds)
• 240.4 kilograms (530 pounds) Women’s Multi-Ply — Laura Phelps-Stackhouse — 74.8 kilograms (165 pounds)

Deadlift

• 408.7 kilograms (901 pounds) Men’s Single-Ply — Ed Coan — 99.8 kilograms (220 pounds)
• 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) Men’s Raw — John Haack — 89.8 kilograms (198 pounds)
• 440 kilograms (970 pounds) Men’s Raw — Benedikt Magnusson — 140+ kilograms (308+ pounds)
• 457.5 kilograms (1,008.6 pounds) Men’s Multi-Ply — Andy Bolton — 140+ kilograms (308+ pounds)
• 487.5 kilograms (1,074.7 pounds) Men’s Raw — Danny Grigsby — 124.7 kilograms (275 pounds)
• 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds) Women’s Raw — Heather Connor — 47.6 kilograms (105 pounds)
• 222.5 kilograms (490.5 pounds) Women’s Single-Ply — Carrie Boudreau 55.8 kilograms (123 pounds)
• 275 kilograms (606.2 pounds) Women’s Raw — Kristy Hawkins — 74.8 kilograms (165 pounds)
• 290 kilograms (639.3 pounds) Women’s Raw — Tamara Walcott — 89.8+ kilograms (198+ pounds)
• 315 kilograms (694.4 pounds) Women’s Multi-Ply — Becca Swanson 89.8+ kilograms (198+ pounds)

Total

• 838.4 kilograms (1,848.5 pounds) Men’s Raw — Taylor Atwood — 74.8 kilograms (165 pounds)
• 985 kilograms (2,171.5 pounds) Men’s Single-Ply — Oleksandr Kutcher — 74.8 kilograms (165 pounds)
• 1,033.5 kilograms (2,254.2 pounds) Men’s Raw — John Haack — 89.8 kilograms (198 pounds)
• 1,152.5 kilograms (2,540.9 pounds) Men’s Raw — Jesus Olivares — 140+ kilograms (308+ pounds)
• 1,360.8 kilograms (3,000 pounds) Men’s Multi-Ply — Donnie Thompson — 140+ kilograms (308+ pounds)
• 428.5 kilograms (944.6 pounds) Women’s Raw — Tiffany Chapon — 47.6 kilograms (105 pounds)
• 687.5 kilograms (1,515.6 pounds) Women’s Raw — Kristy Hawkins — 74.8 kilograms (165 pounds)
• 726 kilograms (1600.5 pounds) Women’s Single-Ply — Agata Sitko — 82.1 kilograms (181 pounds)
• 725 kilograms (1,620.4 pounds) Women’s Raw — Tamara Walcott — 89.8+ kilograms (198+ pounds)
• 816.5 kilograms (1,800 pounds) Women’s Multi-Ply — Laura Phelps-Stackhouse — 74.8 kilograms (165 pounds)

References

1. Roberts TA, Smalley J, Ahrendt DEffect of gender affirming hormones on athletic performance in transwomen and transmen: implications for sporting organisations and legislatorsBritish Journal of Sports Medicine 2021;55:577-583.

Featured Image:Real Sports Photos / Shutterstock

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Just seven days after his appearance at the WDC, Browner returned to the gym for a “YOLO” deadlift training session — his annual personal tradition after a major contest. On Sept. 9, 2023, Browner posted a video on his YouTube channel documenting his attempt at a weight that no athlete in the history of any strength sport has successfully completed.

Browner, who competes in the 109.7-kilogram (242-pound) powerlifting class, is seen tackling a 510-kilogram (1,124-pound) on two separate attempts, followed by an attempt at 505 kilograms (1,113 pounds).

In the training video, Browner is first shown performing progressively heavier warm-up sets. He began at 120 kilograms (265 pounds) before moving through 220 kilograms (485 pounds), 320 kilograms (705 pounds), 370 kilograms (815 pounds), 420 kilograms (925 pounds), and finally 460 kilograms (1,015 pounds). After completing the first set, he wore lifting straps and a weightlifting belt for the remaining lifts.

Browner then made the enthusiastic decision to jump to 510 kilograms (1,124 pounds). He lifted the barbell off the ground relatively quickly before stalling at his knees. On his second attempt at 510 kilograms, Browner is seen with talcum powder across his thighs to reduce friction and aid the lift (a common technique in powerlifting).

He was able to get the bar slightly higher on his knees before returning the weight to the ground, where he quickly unstrapped his grip and walked off the platform while speaking with spectators in the gym. By his demeanor, one might mistakenly think that the effort of lifting more than a half-ton wasn’t all too exhausting for the strength athlete.

The final attempt of the day was 505 kilograms (1,113 pounds). Browner was able to smoothly bring the bar to just above his knees before hitting a wall and struggling for several brief seconds before replacing the bar on the ground. Browner later stated that all three attempts were performed over a 30-minute period.

Unsuccessful lifts are potentially less exciting and dramatic than fully locked out repetitions. However, what sets Browner apart from the deadlifting pack, aside from the sheer weight itself, are the conditions under which he performed. In training for the WDC, Browner spent nearly four months lifting with a conventional deadlift stance due to the strongman ruleset.

Browner’s previous heaviest successful deadlifts, including a 455-kilogram (1,003-pound) deadlift in competition and a 500-kilogram (1,102-pound) deadlift in training, were performed with a sumo deadlift stance. The recent “YOLO” session was only his second time returning to the wider stance in roughly 15 weeks and, as he stated in the video, his technique has yet to return to 100%.

Browner previously attempted a 510-kilogram deadlift during a “YOLO” session roughly two weeks after his performance at the 2022 USPA Pro Raw Championships. In that attempt, he lifted the weight from the floor but was unable to reach knee-level.

Top 5 Heaviest Deadlifts of All Time (Captured on Video)

1. 502.5 kilograms (1,107 Pounds) — Powerlifter Krzysztof Wierzbicki in training, April 2022
2. 501 Kilograms (1,104.5 Pounds) — Strongman Hafthor Bjornsson at 2020 WUS Feats of Strength
3. 500 kilograms (1,102.3 Pounds) — Strongman Eddie Hall at 2016 World Deadlift Championship
4. 500 kilograms (1,102.3 Pounds) — Powerlifter Jamal Browner in training, Sept. 2022
5. 487.5 kilograms (1,074.7 Pounds) — Powerlifter Danny Grigsby at 2022 WRPF American Pro

For further context of Browner’s capabilities, two-time World’s Strongest Man (2021-2022) Tom Stoltman announced plans to attempt a 505-kilogram deadlift at some point in 2024. One of the current heaviest all-time deadlifts (501 kilograms) belongs to 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson, who outweighs Browner by more than 60 kilograms (132 pounds).

Browner has not announced whether his next competitive appearance will be a powerlifting contest or another venture into strongman. In either case, the ground-breaking 510-kilogram deadlift remains on his radar. According to Browner, he plans to take four or five days rest before attempting the weight once again. So the record may fall sooner rather than later.

Featured Image: Jamal Browner / YouTube

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One of the sport’s most recent World Records occurred when Italian teen powerlifter Elisa Misiano set a Sub-Junior World Record as she squatted 138.5 kilograms (305.3 pounds) in the 52-kilogram weight class.

Misiano stepped away from the squat rack with the barbell on her shoulders and a spotter directly behind her. There were also spotters on each side of her as she performed the attempt. She wore a singlet, weight belt, and knee sleeves for the attempt — all considered to be raw lifting.

Once her feet were set and she received the command from the judge, Misiano descended into the bottom position. She immediately reversed her movement and came up with the weight. Her knees came in very slightly, but she appeared to have no trouble standing tall with the barbell to lockout. She then calmly re-racked the barbell. As the crowd applauded her effort, the judges gave her three white lights for her successful performance.

This is Misiano’s first World Record in any lift. Misiano’s performance beats the previous record by one-half of one kilogram. Russia’s Elizaveta Nikitina squatted 138 kilograms (304.2 pounds) at the 2019 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Classic Championships. 

According to Open Powerlifting, Misiano’s lift beats her personal best competition squat by six kilograms (13.2 pounds). Her previous best was 132.5 kilograms (292.1 pounds), which she performed at the 2023 Italian Powerlifting Federation (FIPL) Junior and Sub-Junior Nationals meet.

Elisa Misiano (52KG) | 2023 IPF World Classic Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships Top Stats

• Squat — 138.5 kilograms (305.3 pounds) | Sub-Junior World Record
• Bench Press — 72.5 kilograms (159.8 pounds) | Personal Record in Competition
• Deadlift — 127.5 kilograms (281.1 pounds) | Personal Record in Competition
• Total — 338.5 kilograms (742.3 pounds) | Personal Record in Competition

Misiano weighed in at 49.64 kilograms (109.4 pounds), well under the 52-kilogram (114-pound) weight class limit, making her the lightest athlete in her category. Notably, Misiano was unsuccessful in her opening squat, failing to lockout 135 kilograms (297.6 pounds). She rallied to complete the 135-kilo lift on her second attempt and secured the World Record with her final squat. Misiano placed second in the overall competition, behind Jessica Haggerty’s 352.5-kilogram (777.1-pound) total.

The 2023 IPF World Classic is only Misiano’s second full meet at either the national or international level. She most recently competed in the bench press-only FIPL National Bertoletti Cup in July 2023. With a World Record to her credit already, she shows a lot of potential to one day become a major player in women’s powerlifting.

There is no official word on when Misiano expects to compete again. The 2023 World Junior and Sub-Junior Powerlifting Championships are scheduled to conclude on Sept. 3, 2023. Livestreams of the meets can be found on the IPF YouTube channel. 

Featured Image: @theipf on Instagram

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Not only has Olivares squatted over 1,000 pounds three times in powerlifting competition — always lifting raw, breaking the barrier twice in the same meet — but he’s willing to share his knowledge with his 138,000 plus followers on Instagram. In a recent post, he shared a total of four tips that he applies to every squat he performs in training or competition.

Find Your Best “Shelf”

When Olivares referred to the shelf, he’s talking about where the bar would be sitting on his upper back and shoulders. 

“The “shelf” is the first point of contact between you and the bar. It’s going to determine a lot such as bar placement and bar path … Whatever you decide, I urge [you] to find the perfect combo between stability and comfort, sometimes you can’t have both. So pick whichever you prioritize!”

He went on to talk about three positions that the barbell could be placed on the shoulders — low, mid, and high. Olivares could be considered a low-bar squatter based on his personal lifting style. He explained that the goal should be to flex your back around that placement for comfort and stability.

He also emphasized hand placement so the bar can be kept in place throughout the lift. The goal should be a balance between comfort and stability. You may have to compromise one to emphasize the other, according to the 120-kilogram-plus athlete who holds the All-Time World Record powerlifting total.

Have a Strong, Stable Walkout

Wasting time and energy is counterproductive when it comes to the squat. Lifting the bar from the rack, and then taking several steps to walk it out, and then trying to adjust while the weight settles can not only make the attempt harder, it could lead to injury.

Olivares advocates for a short and sweet pick and settling of the weight before going down into the hole. Take no more than four steps to get into position and make sure the bar is stable on your back. 

“This is a game of efficiency and proficiency. Be patient but do not take any more time than what you need … Practice makes improvement.”

If you’re making an attempt in competition, then you don’t have much time to do this. Practicing with lighter weights in training would be a wise move.

Breathe and Brace Correctly

The squat is always associated with leg training, but it really is a full-body movement. Your legs are the primary driver, but Olivares emphasized the importance of a strong and dependable core to transfer power and improve overall technique.

“Bracing isn’t just flexing your abs but also incorporating obliques and mid/low back. The action of engaging your entire midsection is what will protect your low back while also creating the rigidity you require.”

Bonus Tip: Time Your Descent to Explode Out of the Hole

Whether you’re in the gym or on the platform, you don’t want to be under the bar any longer than necessary. Taking a long negative can show control, but it can also zap the body of energy. Olivares isn’t getting paid by the hour when he competes. Even though he wants to be in control throughout the rep, he wants to get down and up as quickly as possible so he builds tightness as he lowers into the bottom position before “blowing up” to rise out of the hold.

” … you feel your internal pressure increase as you go into the hole of the squat and at your lowest and deepest point is where you’ll feel the most pressure. It is at this point where you want to time the reversal of momentum to help you on your way up!”

Jesus Olivares — All-Time Raw Competition Bests (+120KG)

• Squat — 470 kilograms (1036.1 pounds)
• Bench — 272.5 kilograms (600.7 pounds)
• Deadlift — 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) — IPF World Record
• Total — 1,152.5 kilograms (2,540.8 pounds) — IPF All-Time World Record

Olivares last competed in June 2023 at the 2023 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, where he won the 120-plus kilogram championship with a World Record total of 1,080 kilograms (2,381 pounds), including a 455-kilogram (1,003.1-pound) squat. His personal best competition squat is 470 kilograms (1,036.1 pounds), which he achieved at the 2023 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships in March. As of this writing, there is no word on when he will compete again.

Featured Image: @mega.gojira on Instagram

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Browner has been a sumo deadlifter in his regular sport, but he’s had to transition into using a conventional stance for strongman, which doesn’t allow lifters to use the wide stance. Based on the looks of his training, he’s adapting pretty well. On Aug. 3, 2023, Browner posted an Instagram Reel of a short, intense set where he pulls 435 kilograms (959 pounds) for a double.

Browner used lifting straps and was wearing a weightlifting belt for this set, both of which are allowed in strongman. He pulled the first rep up to a lockout with no trouble. He then returned the barbell to the floor to begin rep number two. Although it was a little slower than the first, there was no doubt whether or not he could lock it out. He made an attempt at a third rep, but he was unable to bring the bar to knee-height.

Browner referred to this as a personal record, but he’s been showing steady improvement on the conventional version of the deadlift for months. This lift came less than six weeks after he had pulled 410 kilograms (903 pounds) for four reps. Prior to that, he had celebrated pulling the 435 kilograms for a single in April 2023 — now adding an additional rep to that PR.

Besides the use of his figure-eight straps and belt, Browner will also be allowed to wear a deadlift suit, but it is unknown whether or not he will. Even though this is his first time in strongman, he’s already considered one of the world’s renowned deadlifters. He is one of five men to have deadlifted 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds), which he did in September 2022. The others are former World’s Strongest Man winners Eddie Hall and Hafthor Bjornsson, and powerlifters Danny Grigsby and Krzysztof Wierzbicki — Wierzbicki actually pulled 502.5 kilograms (1,107 pounds) to capture the heaviest deadlift of all-time, albeit in training not on a competition platform.

Browner has been very successful on the platform as well. In September 2022, he set the world record for the raw total in the 110-kilogram category with a combined total of 1,052.5 kilograms (2,320 pounds), which included a 455-kilogram (1,003-pound) deadlift. As of August 2023, that record still stands.

Featured Image: @jamal_b15 on Instagram

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Hugdal wore wrist wraps, a lifting belt, and a single-ply bench press shirt for stability during her record-breaking bench press. The athlete’s new World Record in the +84-kilogram class is an extension of her own mark from the 2022 IPF Equipped World Championships, surpassing it by 5.5 kilograms (12.1 pounds). The IPF distinguishes between single lifts and full-competition lifts in its official record database. Hugdal has her name written under both descriptors. With Hugdal having turned 40 recently, the press is also a Masters 1 (ages 40-49) World Record. A video of the competitor’s monumental strength feat is featured below via the official Instagram page of the IPF.

In the context of her overall bench-pressing performance, Hugdal actually matched her previous World Record on her second attempt. She then vied for the new milestone and locked it out with ease, if the video of her accomplishment is any indication.

Here’s an overview of Hugdal’s bench press performance at the 2023 EPF Equipped Bench Press Championships:

Hildeborg Hugdal (+84KG) | 2023 EPF Equipped Bench Press Championships Performance Rundown

• First attempt: 222.5 kilograms (491 pounds)
• Second attempt: 230 kilograms (507 pounds) 
• Third attempt: 235.5 kilograms (519 pounds) — IPF Equipped World Record

Hugdal is used to astonishing achievements on sanctioned lifting platforms. The Norwegian athlete has over 20 years of competitive powerlifting experience with a variety of Norwegian, Danish, European, and World titles to her name. In a competitive career with over 90 appearances dating back to January 1998, the prolific Hugdal has lost on just 26 occasions.

Hugdal is the defending +84-kilogram IPF Equipped World champion. The veteran athlete will likely defend her title at the 2023 iteration, which will take place on November 13-18, 2023, in Druskininkai, Lithuania.

The post Hildeborg Hugdal (+84KG) Bench Presses Equipped World Record of 235.5 Kilograms (519.1 Pounds) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Faulk accomplished his training pull while wearing just a lifting belt in terms of assistive equipment. He deadlifted from a sumo stance while utilizing a hook grip to elevate his loaded barbell off the floor. Per Faulk’s caption, his pulling technique could’ve apparently used some work, implying he might have left some weight and strength on the table for a future date. The athlete wrote that he weighed 100 kilograms (220.4 pounds) at the time of the lift, meaning Faulk deadlifted approximately 3.5 times his body weight.

As someone who isn’t even 20 years old, this is not the first time Faulk’s monstrous lifts have made headlines. The athlete’s social media platforms, particularly his Instagram, are littered with seemingly countless mighty feats.

Aside from his deadlift, recent milestones include a 463-pound bench press single from early August 2023 and a 275-kilogram (606.2-pound) three-rep paused back squat personal record (PR) from early July 2023. In late 2022, he was recorded capturing a 300-kilogram (661-pound) squat for a new PR when he was still just 18 years old.

On a competitive basis, Faulk’s resume to this stage is mostly sterling. According to his page on Open Powerlifting, in nine different competitive appearances, the athlete has lost on just three occasions. The most noteworthy result of his career thus far might have been a win in the 2022 USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Nebraska State Powerlifting Championships while competing raw in the Teen division.

At the time of this article’s publication, it is unclear what Faulk’s future competitive plans are. Thus far in 2023, he has appeared in just one contest, the 2023 USAPL Carolina Primetime Pro Qualifier, where he finished in 15th place. Faulk will likely be seen on a sanctioned lifting platform again soon, but he hasn’t confirmed or clarified when.

Nevertheless, in the meantime, the young dynamo is likened to continue showing off incredible jaw-dropping lifts.

Featured image: @jj.fau1k on Instagram

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Herndon achieved his latest training squat while wearing knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and a lifting belt. Such an equipment set-up still constitutes as raw in a powerlifting context. He wrote in his post that he weighed 271 pounds at the time of the lift, meaning the athlete squatted approximately 3.3 times his body weight. Herndon evidently had little trouble with this squat, hitting the hole and rising up quickly without much of a struggle as his spotters on all three sides kept a close watch.

Herndon’s squat is connected to his ongoing preparation for the 2023 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) American Pro 2. That contest is currently scheduled to take place on October 27-29, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Herndon could be seeking a measure of redemption as he did not place at the 2022 iteration, having been disqualified while competing with wraps. In his squat Instagram post, the athlete wrote that he will again compete with wraps at this year’s American Pro.

Herndon has been on a competitive and training tear of late.

In March 2023, during the United States Powerlifting Coalition (USPC) Mid-Atlantic Classic & Regional Championship, the powerlifter squatted 411 kilograms (906.1 pounds) to put himself within striking distance of the 125-kilogram class World Record. Then, in late June 2023, the athlete became the lightest person ever to squat 453.9 kilograms (1,000 pounds) raw with wraps during a performance at the 2023 International Powerlifting Association (IPA) Strength Spectacular.

With months to go before his latest competitive appearance, Herndon has once again inched closer to another hallowed squat mark in the gym.

Herndon technically doesn’t “need” to add another squat record to his growing laundry list of achievements. He already stands atop the 110-kilogram class and seldom loses in full competition. Athletes like him seemingly don’t rest on their laurels, though. They have an interest in writing their name all over the record books.

Featured image: @phillip_herndon on Instagram

The post Phillip Herndon Squats 414.5 Kilograms (914 Pounds), Unofficially More Than World Record appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Kolb wore a lifting belt, wrist wraps, and a custom bench shirt to support his remarkable milestone. Kolb initially made two unsuccessful attempts at the bench press mark before pushing through to break the record on his third and final try. It did not come without a challenge as Kolb seemingly struggled to lift his loaded barbell up off his chest in a clip of the lift.

With Kolb’s equipped bench World Record in the account, here’s an overview of the current equipped World Record for each of the staple exercises in powerlifting:

All-Time Powerlifting Equipped World Records

• Squat — Nathan Baptist (595 kilograms/1,311.7 pounds)
• Bench Press — Jimmy Kolb (635.4 kilograms/1,401 pounds)
• Deadlift — Andy Bolton (457.5 kilograms/1,008.6 pounds)

Here’s a rundown of the athlete’s all-time equipped competition bests:

Jimmy Kolb | All-Time Equipped Competition Bests

• Squat — 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds)
• Bench Press — 635.5 kilograms (1,401 pounds) — Heaviest Lift In Powerlifting History and All-Time World Record
• Deadlift — 317.5 kilograms (700 pounds)
• Total — 1,093.1 kilograms (2,410 pounds)

Beyond a penchant for incredible, jaw-dropping lifts, Kolb is similarly prolific in overall competitions. After notching the win in the 140-plus kilogram class at the 2023 IPA Tri-Star Bash, the athlete has now emerged triumph in 42 of 51 career contests dating back to April 2009, per his page on Open Powerlifting.

In his Instagram, Kolb was appropriately humbled by his achievement and all the people who have helped him along his strength journey.

“1,400 pounds, we did it,” Kolb wrote. “The number of people I have in my corner that are genuinely good humbles me and this absolutely wouldn’t have happened without them. Thank you.”

Featured image: @kolbstrong on Instagram

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