Browner will compete for the first time in the 2023 World Deadlift Championships, which is part of the Giants Live 2023 Strongman World Open on Sept. 2, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales, and he’s been showing signs of steady progress. He offered evidence of his steady strength gains by sharing a recent conventional deadlift of four reps with 410 kilograms (903.8 pounds), which you can see in the Instagram post posted on June 29, 2023.

Browner arrived at the barbell with a relatively close stance and his feet pointed straight ahead and grabbed the bar with the support of “figure-8” lifting straps. As per the rules of strongman competitions, a sumo stance is not permitted, while lifting straps are allowed. This is a significant difference from the powerlifting Browner is more familiar with. The only other supportive equipment he wore was a basic weightlifting belt.

Browner performed the first rep with ease, and followed quickly the second. The third was slightly slower, but he showed no major signs of struggling. He took an extra breath before beginning the fourth repetitions, but when it was completed, he held the lockout for a few seconds before returning the barbell to the floor.

With roughly nine weeks to go before the contest, Browner said in the post caption that he’s feeling good about his training and even felt that he could’ve added up to 10 kilograms to the bar and still performed the same reps with similar effort.

“Strength is trending in the right direction. I think I was good for another 7.5-10kg [16.5 to 22 pounds]. ”

Browner has pulled 435 kilograms (959 pounds) for a single in training as he familiarizes himself with the conventional stance. He has a long history of heavy lifts under his belt, but the recent challenge has been converting to the required conventional stance.

Browner is only the second-ever powerlifter to successfully complete a 455-kilogram (1,003-pound) deadlift at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Raw Pro in September. Just a few months later, he pulled the same weight for two reps in training without the aid of lifting straps. Both of these were completed with a sumo stance.

The upcoming deadlift contest will also serve as the opening event for the Strongman World Open contest. The 2022 World Deadlift Championship (WDC) was won by Rauno Heinla, who deadlifted 476 kilograms (1,049.4 pounds) to also set a Masters world record. Heinla will be in the contest to defend that title as well as try to win the overall contest.

2021 WDC champion Ivan Makarov will also be looking for another title. Makarov, himself, recently shared an impressive training update deadlifting the current record — 476 kilograms(1,049 pounds) — for two repetitions.

Even though Browner will be required to use the conventional foot placement, he will also be allowed to use lifting straps as well as a deadlift suit, which could help him greatly in this contest. 

Featured Image: @jamal_b15 on Instagram

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On Apr. 18, 2023, Browner shared an Instagram video of himself capturing a raw 435-kilogram (959-pound) deadlift from a conventional stance. According to the caption of the athlete’s post, the lift is a personal record (PR) for this deadlift variation. It improves upon a raw conventional deadlift PR from late March 2022 by 2.4 kilograms (5.5 pounds) in just about a month’s time of apparent diligent training. Browner wore lifting straps, donned a lifting belt, and also utilized a traditional grip for the pull.

Browner getting his conventional deadlift to catch up to his sumo deadlift probably shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who’s paid attention to his training exploits. Though, it might still take some time and consistency before the athlete’s conventional pulling matches his sumo pulling. After all, some might consider deadlifting from a sumo stance “easier” for athletes, considering the wider stance lowers the range of motion that a person needs to pull their stacked barbell off the ground.

If anyone can make rapid progress and transcend past such potential deadlift disclaimers, it’s probably Browner. The powerlifter has been steadily sharing clips of different examples of his raw conventional deadlift preparation. In mid-April 2023, Browner posted a video of himself completing a 365-kilogram (804-pound) raw conventional pulling session for five reps. Shortly before that, Browner disclosed a clip where he deadlifted 422.5 kilograms (931.4 pounds) with stunning ease.

Browner has not clarified what his precise goals are from a conventional deadlift pulling stance. Presumably, at the very least, the athlete wants to break the raw 1,000-pound barrier in a sanctioned competition. Browner already achieved this officially from a sumo stance when he scored the raw all-time deadlift World Record of 455 kilograms (1,003 pounds) in the 110-kilogram division at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Raw Pro.

From a macro scale, Browner has nothing to prove as a deadlifter. For many, he has probably cemented himself as one of the greatest pullers of all time. That said, if he can make deadlifting at least 1,000 pounds from the sumo and conventional stance, his already sizable legacy may only grow in scope.

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On Mar. 25, 2023, at the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Metroflex Battle for the Yard 8, Grigsby (110KG) captured a 467.5-kilogram (1,030.6-pound) raw deadlift while wearing just a lifting belt. Grigsby utilized a sumo stance and a hook grip. The athlete’s pull is an all-time raw World Record in the 110-kilogram weight class. It surpasses Grigsby’s peer, Jamal Browner, by 12.4 kilograms (27.5 pounds). Browner achieved the past record milestone of 455 kilograms (1,003.1 pounds) at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Pro Raw Championships.

Over the past year or so, Grigsby has fluctuated between the 110-kilogram, 125-kilogram, and 140-kilogram divisions. Such versatility has facilitated the athlete now possessing the raw deadlift World Record in all three classes.

According to Open Powerlifting, Grigsby achieved his 125-kilogram record deadlift mark of 487.4 kilograms (1,074.7 pounds) at the 2022 WRPF American Pro. The powerlifting star would notch his 140-kilogram achievement of 464.9 kilograms (1,025.1 pounds) at the 2022 USPA Virginia Beach Classic 2. It was specifically this latter pull that saw Grigsby become the first-ever powerlifter to pull a raw deadlift with at least 453.6 kilograms (1,000 pounds) in a full power meet. Factor in Grigsby’s fresh 110-kilogram deadlift accomplishment, and he now has complete pulling dominion over three separate sections of the record books.

Danny Grigsby (110KG) | Top Stats WRPF Metroflex Battle for the Yard 8

• Squat — 352.4 kilograms (777 pounds) | Personal Best in Competition
• Bench Press — 196.8 kilograms (434 pounds)
• Deadlift — 467.5 kilograms (1,030.6 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record
• Total — 1,016.5 kilograms (2,241 pounds)

In an Instagram post immediately following the contest, the athlete apparently “came short” of his overall expectations without elaborating. That said, he wrote that his latest record deadlift let him end the meet on a “high note.” In a separate post, Grigsby also announced plans to return to the 125-kilogram (275-pound) class for the WRPF American Pro 2, taking place October 27-29 in Manassas, Virginia.

At this point, hoping for a flourish from Grigsby any time he plans to deadlift should probably be the baseline expectation. He’s established himself as deadlifting royalty, seemingly always ready to conquer another loaded barbell.

Featured image: @dan_grigs on Instagram

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On Mar. 14, 2023, Browner shared an Instagram clip of himself scoring a 426.4-kilogram (940-pound) raw deadlift during a recent workout. The powerlifter donned just a lifting belt for the pull and completed it from a conventional stance while utilizing a hook grip. Browner (110KG) is the current all-time raw deadlift World Record holder with a pull of 455 kilograms (1,003.1 pounds) at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Pro Raw Championships. Given the evident ease of this training deadlift, it seems more greatness is en route.

Amongst current elite powerlifters, Browner’s deadlifting adeptness mostly remains unmatched. A 432.5-kilogram (953.5-pound) personal record (PR) from March 2022 illustrates as much. For an athlete who places a premium on how much weight he can pull from the floor, such milestones could be characterized as pulling gold.

Browner’s all-time raw deadlift World Record (which was done from a sumo stance) made him only the second powerlifter to ever pull at least 453.6 kilograms (1,000 pounds) in a full raw powerlifting meet. The other competitor to be in such rare deadlift territory is Danny Grigsby, who managed the accomplishment at the 2022 USPA Virginia Beach Classic.

In addition to his deadlift record, Browner also possesses the all-time raw World Record total in the 110-kilogram division. He notched an overall total of 1,052.5 kilograms (2,320.3 pounds) at the 2022 USPA Raw Pro, further cementing himself as one of the faces of powerlifting. Browner’s record had him notably leap over the rival Derek Thistlethwaite, who initially surpassed Browner with a raw total of 1,002.4 kilograms (2,210.1 pounds) from the 2022 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) American Pro.

With all of that said, being able to pull this much weight somewhat casually from a conventional stance is a significant step forward for Browner. The athlete has risen in prominence because of the power he showcases while primarily using a sumo stance. It looks like broaching the 1,000-pound boundary while lifting from a conventional position may be the powerlifter’s next ambitious goal.

When it comes to breaking records and seemingly defying gravity with his deadlifts, it’s probably more of a matter of “when”, not “if,” Browner’s name is etched into the record books once again. This is a powerlifter accustomed to redefining what is possible with a barbell. At this point, rewriting the strength dictionary is more of an expectation, not a hope.

Featured image: @jamal_b15 on Instagram

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On Sept. 29, 2022, Browner captured a 500-kilogram (1,102-pound) raw traditional deadlift during a training session. He is the fourth known person to deadlift at least that much weight while on film. The 110-kilogram athlete used a sumo stance and overhand grip and wore a lifting belt and lifting straps to help with the historic pull.

 

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A post shared by Jamal Browner (@jamal_b15)

[Related: How to Do the Goblet Squat for Lower Body Size and Mobility]

The historic nature of Browner’s deadlift naturally drew the attention of more than a few figures in strength sports. Browner received notable variations of praise from people like two-time International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Champion (2019, 2021) Russell Orhii, powerlifters Bobb Matthews and Ernie Lillibridge Jr., 2016 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) Laurence Shahlaei, and strongman Rob Kearney.

Browner’s deadlift also puts him in an exclusive club in strength sports. He joins three athletes who have pulled at least 500 kilograms on camera over the last several years.

The 2017 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Eddie Hall was the first to deadlift at least that much weight when he set the mark as the strongman World Record at the 2016 World Deadlift Championships (WDC) in Leeds, England.

Roughly a year later, 2018 WSM winner Hafthor Björnsson extended the record when he deadlifted 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds) during the 2020 World’s Ultimate Strongman “Feats of Strength” series. However, because Hall accomplished his deadlift at a sanctioned neutral competition while Björnsson did his at his personal gym in Reykjavik, Iceland, members of the strongman world still believe Hall holds the official World Record.

A few years later, in late April 2022, Polish athlete Krzysztof Wierzbicki became the first powerlifter ever to deadlift at least 500 kilograms when he pulled 502.5 kilograms (1,108 pounds) during a recorded training session. At the time of this writing, Wierzbicki’s deadlift is the heaviest-filmed known pull in history. Unlike Hall and Björnsson, Wierzbicki notched his pull without a deadlift suit. Because Wierzbicki used straps, it wouldn’t have counted in a sanctioned contest.

 

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A post shared by Julian Howard (@worldsstrongestfan)

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Browner follows Hall, Björnsson, and Wierzbicki as the fourth person to complete a traditional deadlift of at least 500 kilograms from the floor. He joins the Wierzbicki as the second person to do without the assistance of a suit. Likewise, Browner’s pull would not count in an official competition because of his use of straps.

Aside from breaking the World Record, the next significant deadlift achievement might be to see who can pull 500 kilograms without the use of straps. Browner, Wierzbicki, and their peer Danny Grigsby — the first powerlifter to capture a 1,000-plus pound raw deadlift in a full power meet — will undoubtedly all be huge factors in that race.

Featured image: @jamal_b15 on Instagram

The post Powerlifter Jamal Browner Deadlifts a Historic 500 Kilograms (1,102 Pounds) in Training appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

By the end of the competition, in a first-place performance, Browner’s staggering pull helped him set an all-time raw World Record total of 1,052.5 kilograms (2,320.45 pounds) in the 110-kilogram class. He surpassed Derek Thistlethwaite, who initially leaped over Browner for the record with a 1,002.4-kilogram (2,210.1-pound) total from the 2022 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) American Pro. Browner used a sumo stance and wore just a lifting belt to help him with his deadlift accomplishment. He also used the uncomfortable but effective hook grip, sandwiching each thumb between his fingers and the barbell, for reinforced grip strength:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jamal Browner (@jamal_b15)

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Browner did almost further extend his record with a 467.2 kilogram (1,030-pound) third deadlift attempt but could not successfully finish the lockout. In addition to his total World Record and extension of the 110-kilogram division’s all-time deadlift figure, Browner scored personal competition bests on his back squat and bench press.

Here’s a rundown of the athlete’s complete performance from the 2022 USPA Raw Pro:

Jamal Browner (110KG) | 2022 USPA Raw Pro Top Stats

• Squat — 370 kilograms (815.8 pounds) | Personal Competition Best
• Bench Press — 227.5 kilograms (501.6 pounds) | Personal Competition Best
• Deadlift — 455 kilograms (1,003 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record 
• Total — 1,052.5 kilograms (2,320.45 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record

His World Records aside, Browner has been in pursuit of the 1,000-pound deadlift in a sanctioned meet for some time. The powerlifter has captured pulls of at least 1,000 pounds in past training sessions, but he never managed the achievement in an official competitive capacity. That is until now. 

Here’s an overview of some of Browner’s noteworthy career results: 

Jamal Browner | Notable Career Results

• 2017 North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Arnold A7 Bar Grip Raw Pro Challenge (Juniors/Open/Raw) — First place
• 2018 USPA North American Championships (Open/Raw) — First place
• 2020 WRPF Hybrid Showdown II (Open/Raw) — First place
• 2021 WRPF Hybrid Showdown III (Open/Raw) —  First place
• 2021 WRPF The Bucked Up Showdown (Open/Raw) — First place
• 2022 USPA Hybrid Showdown 4 (Open/Raw) — First place
• 2022 USPA Raw Pro (Open/Raw) — First place 

In a Sept. 27, 2022, video on his YouTube channel that appeared to be recorded during the 2022 USPA Raw Pro, Browner reflected on his overall performance. 

“I beat the old [110-kilogram weight class] record by over 40 kilograms, so it should be out of reach for now,” said a beaming Browner. “My deadlift held up, my hands are good, no rips, no tears. I’m happy. I still want more, but I’m happy. I’m content. For now.”

[Related: How to Do the Bulgarian Split Squat for Leg Size, Strength, and Mobility]

Browner hasn’t announced plans for his next competition at the time of this writing but did note that he would be “back to work” soon in his latest video. Whatever one of powerlifting’s superstars has in store next, it’s likely to be another eye-opening performance. 

Featured image: @jamal_b15 on Instagram

The post Jamal Browner (110KG) Breaks World Record Total, Logs Deadlift Over 1,000 Pounds at 2022 USPA Raw Pro appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Browner is undoubtedly one of the strongest deadlifters in powerlifting. He’s an all-time record holder at 110 kilograms and has pulled 473.6 kilograms (1,050 pounds) from a sumo stance. It’s unusual for a lifter at Browner’s level to switch between deadlift stances as often as he does, but it’s clear that Browner is on the hunt for a 1,000-pound pull in both variations.

Check out Browner’s latest conventional deadlift PR below, courtesy of his Instagram page:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jamal Browner (@jamal_b15)

[Related: Powerlifter Prescillia Bavoil (69KG) Wins 2022 FFForce French Nationals, Scores Two Unofficial IPF Records]

Deadlifts of this magnitude are nothing new for Browner. Browner has pulled a 476.3-kilogram deadlift (1,050-pounds) and a 455-kilogram deadlift (1,003-pounds) from a sumo stance with lifting straps. He also possesses the all-time raw world record at 110-kilograms with a 440.5-kilogram (971 pounds) deadlift. 

Sumo vs. Conventional Deadlifts

The distinction between sumo and conventional deadlift stance comes down to the placement of one’s feet and hands. A sumo deadlift has the lifter widen their feet and place their hands inside their thighs, whereas a conventional deadlift is executed with a hip-width stance and arms placed outside the legs.

Both positions also require a lifter to engage different muscles mechanically.

The sumo stance inherently shortens the length of the deadlift’s pull since the lifter is closer to the floor. According to a 2002 study, the sumo stance recruits more of the vastus medialis (VMO), vastus lateralis (VLO), and tibialis anterior — your inner thigh muscles. (1)

At the same time, your rectus femoris (part of the hamstring) had less overall recruitment than the VMO and VLO. This happens because the rectus femoris is a biarticular muscle — it crosses two joint complexes. While your quads help with knee extension, the rectus femoris also assists in hip flexion. 

The more extended range of motion of the conventional stance — which is why some may perceive it to be more challenging — places more pressure on the back, specifically the L4 and L5 vertebrae. It also involves more back extensors, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscles.

Despite these differences, both the sumo stance and conventional stance are hip hinges. The same research shows that each will have similar demands on your hips. (1)

It’s a credit to Browner that he can excel from both positions.

Browner’s Strongman Future

Browner’s work from a conventional stance — like a 410-kilogram (903.9 pounds) deadlift performed in mid-March 2022 — drew the attention of an elite strongman who weighs 100 pounds more than him. Two-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) finalist, Nick Best, was impressed by that achievement that he urged Giants Live owner, Colin Bryce, to invite Browner to the 2022 World Deadlift Championships (WDC). The WDC is set to occur during the 2022 Giants Live World Open on Aug. 6, 2022. 

Browner does not yet have a formal invitation to the competition, but he may soon find an opening if he continues to open the eyes of top strongmen with his staggering deadlifts. His new conventional PR 432.5-kilogram deadlift (953.5 pounds) compares reasonably well to the results of the 2021 WDC. 

2021 World Deadlift Championships Results

• 1st — Ivan Makarov, 475 kilograms (1,047.2 pounds)
• 2nd (tie) — Nedzmin Ambeskovic, 453.5 kilograms (999.8 pounds)
• 2nd (tie) — Adam Bishop, 453.5 kilograms (999.8 pounds)
• 2nd (tie) — Evan Singleton, 453.5 kilograms (999.8 pounds)
• 2nd (tie) — Oleksii Novikov, 453.5 kilograms (999.8 pounds)
• 2nd (tie) — Gabriel Peña, 453.5 kilograms (999.8 pounds)
• 2nd (tie) — Pavlo Nakonechnyy, 453.5 kilograms (999.8 pounds)
• 8th (tie) — Mikhail Shivlyakov, 425 kilograms (937 pounds)
• 8th (tie) — Rauno Heinla, 425 kilograms (937 pounds)
• 8th (tie) — Andy Black, 425 kilograms (937 pounds)

Browner’s latest raw PR places him in third-place finish above Shivlyakov, Heinla, and Black. That said, there are a few important notes:

• First, a strongman-style deadlift is different than powerlifting-approved pulls. Competitive strongmen can use lifting straps, deadlift suits, and lifting belts while pulling. In a raw powerlifting competition, only a lifting belt is allowed. 
• Another important note is that sumo deadlifts — the variation Browner excels at — are not allowed in strongman. 
• Browner has only ever competed in the Raw category, so it’s hard to gauge what he could pull with a lifting suit and straps.

If Browner — who weighs 100-plus-pounds less than many of these athletes — can eclipse some of their top marks, he might be well on his way to more strongman success soon enough. We can safely assume Browner will continue plugging away as he tries to become a member of the 1,000-pound conventional deadlift class. 

References

1. ESCAMILLA, R. F., FRANCISCO, A. C., FLEISIG, G. S., BARRENTINE, S. W., WELCH, C. M., KAYES, A. V., … ANDREWS, J. R. (2000). A three-dimensional biomechanical analysis of sumo and conventional style deadlifts. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 32(7), 1265–1275. doi:10.1097/00005768-200007000-00013 

Featured image: @jamal_b15 on Instagram

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