du Preez’s final top total consisted of a 430-kilogram (948-pound) squat, a 237.5-kilogram (523.6-pound) bench press, and a 370-kilogram (815.7-pound) deadlift. Notably, since the 125-kilogram South African powerlifter competed in the Raw W/Wraps division, that 430-kilogram (948-pound) squat is also a Raw W/Wraps competition PR. 

Check out footage of du Preez’s successful squat from the meet below, via his Instagram profile:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Nicolaas du Preez (@nicolaas_du_preez)

[Related: Powerlifter Shahram Saki Squats 510 Kilograms, More Than The Raw W/Wraps All-Time World Record, In Training]

His new official marks in a sanctioned competition aside, du Preez didn’t leave the 2022 RPC Elite Raw without an unfortunate blemish. On that squat PR, the powerlifter wrote in his Instagram post that he tore his vastus medialis muscle (or lower inner quad) while locking out the rep. 

While the damage appeared to be extensive, du Preez maintains he didn’t notice the injury until it was time to deadlift — likely putting a damper on his strength showcase. du Preez tried to power through with his deadlift despite missing a good portion of his leg strength. However, bad fortune struck again for the athlete. 

“I chose 400 kilograms [881.5 pounds] as my second attempt,” du Preez wrote. “But the quad tear made a proper leg drive really difficult. Also, I tore a lot of skin off both hands, so lockout was soft and premature. I know 400-plus is there at the next competition. I do need to invest more time in keeping my hands tough.”

What a rough turn of events. That du Preez was still able to salvage a total and squat w/wraps PR — despite his quad injury and grip troubles — might be a testament to his fitness. 

Here are du Preez’s final lift stats from the competition:

Nicolaas du Preez (125KG) | 2022 RPC Elite Raw Stats | Raw W/Wraps

• Squat — 430 kilograms (948 pounds) | New Competition PR
• Bench Press — 237.5-kilogram (523.6 pounds)
• Deadlift — 370-kilogram (815.7 pounds)
• Total — 1037.5 kilograms (2287.3 pounds) | New Competition PR

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Nicolaas du Preez (@nicolaas_du_preez)

[Related: Powerlifter Agata Sitko (84KG) Breaks Equipped Multiple World Records, Wins European Junior Championships]

What Lies Ahead

At the time of this writing, du Preez has understandably not yet announced his next professional competition. Though he has not confirmed the extent of his injury, he might need some time away from the gym to properly recover.

Whenever du Preez steps onto the lifting platform again, he’ll likely be looking for a measure of redemption. With two new PRs, the 2022 RPC Elite Raw was by no means a failure for him, but in the context of his social media — it seems he believes he can do better. 

Only time will tell whether du Preez’s next turn on the stage sees him show off all the power he thinks he’s capable of. 

Featured image: @nicolaas_du_preez on Instagram

The post Powerlifter Nicolaas Du Preez (125KG) Logs 1037.5-Kilogram (2,287.3-Pound) Total for New PR appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Check out the bar-bending squat, courtesy of du Preez’s Instagram profile:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicolaas du Preez (@nicolaas_du_preez)

[Related: Watch Powerlifter Jesus Olivares Smash A 417.3-Kilogram Squat (920-Pound) During Training]

According to Open Powerlifting, this 420-kilogram (926-pound) squat while training eclipses du Preez’s all-time competition best from the 2021 World Powerlifting Congress-SA (WPC-SA) Power Wars by one ounce. du Preez similarly wore wraps for that squat.

Not by coincidence, the 2021 WPC-SA Power Wars — where he was the eventual victor — is also the last time du Preez was part of a sanctioned competition. Per the caption of du Preez’s Instagram post he will make a return to a formal lifting platform at the 2022 Rhino Powerlifting Club (RPC) Elite Raw on May 14th in Praetoria, South Africa. He will compete at 125 kilograms.

About Nicolaas du Preez

If his social media is any indication, du Preez is no stranger to incredible feats of strength. In addition to his squat prowess, the powerlifter had a recent deadlift of 405 kilograms (892.87 pounds) and a bench press of 255 kilograms (562.1 pounds). du Preez wore a lifting belt for the deadlift, while the bench press was raw.

Both figures similarly exceed du Preez’s previous competition bests. His top-ever deadlift is a 384.9-kilogram raw pull (848.7-pound) from the 2019 WPC-SA Power Wars, and his top-ever bench press is a 244.9-kilogram raw press (540.1-pound) from the 2021 WPC-SA Power Wars. Here are the complete results of du Preez’s career — who has never lost a competition — to this point:

Nicolaas du Preez | Career Results

• 2018 WPC-SA Inaugural Meet (Junior division) — 1st place
• 2018 WPC-SA South African Nationals (Men’s Open division) — 1st place
• 2018 RPC National Championships (Men’s Open) — 1st place
• 2019 WPC-SA Power Wars (Men’s Open) — 1st place
• 2019 RPC Four Nations (Men’s Open) — 1st place
• 2021 WPC-SA Power Wars (Men’s Open) — 1st place

 

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A post shared by Nicolaas du Preez (@nicolaas_du_preez)

[Related: Bodybuilder Joe Mackey Logs Bar-Bending 900-Pound Deadlift PR]

The 2022 RPC Elite Raw is Next

Du Preez will attempt to achieve two things in the coming weeks at the 2022 RPC Elite Raw. First, he’ll undoubtedly want to maintain his ongoing undefeated streak in competitions. Second, he’ll want to surpass all his previous top marks on each of his respective lifts. Considering the steady progress with his training in recent weeks, he seems to be in line to do both and more.

The 2022 RPC Elite Raw will take place on May 14 in Praetoria, South Africa.

Featured image: @nicolaas_du_preez on Instagram

The post Powerlifter Nicolaas du Preez Squats 420 Kilograms (926 Pounds) With Ease During Training appeared first on Breaking Muscle.