Super heavyweight powerlifter Jesus Olivares shared a video on his Instagram page on June 6, 2023, wherein he squatted 435 kilograms (959 pounds) for a raw double. The set, performed in a lifting belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves, marked a new PR for the all-time IPF raw total world record holder.
Olivares is in training for the upcoming International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) 2023 Classic World Championships, scheduled for June 11-18, in Valetta, Malta. He will enter as the defending champion in the +120-kilogram weight class.
Olivares’ double PR is within range of his best competition squat of 470 kilograms (1,036 pounds) — only 7.5 kilograms (16.5 pounds) away from the IPF world record. Check out that PR double in the video below:
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[Related: Ivan Chuprynko (74KG) Bench Presses IPF Equipped World Record 300.5 Kilograms]
The barbell bent under the pressure of the weight as Olivares walked it out from the squat rack. He braced and appeared solid through the descent, taking the weight to a good depth and locking it out quickly. He paused momentarily at the top, braced again, and moved the bar with control through a nearly identical rep.
The speed with which Olivares completed the set suggests that he had some strength left in reserve. The IPF raw squat world record in the +120-kilogram class is currently held by six-time world champion Ray Williams at 477.5 kilograms (1,053 pounds). Williams set the record in 2017, and it seems as though Olivares may already have it as a target in his sights.
Olivares holds the raw deadlift world record in the superheavyweight class with a 410-kilogram (904-pound) pull. He also holds the all-time IPF raw total world record of 1152.5 kilograms (2,541 pounds). Olivares set both at the 2023 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships in the UK. His historic performance netted him £30,000 British pounds (over $37,000 USD).
Olivares is the only powerlifter ever to squat over 1,000 pounds, bench press over 600 pounds, and deadlift over 900 pounds in a sanctioned raw competition. As the defending champion, Olivares is already qualified for the 2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships.
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With so many achievements under his belt, it’s easy to forget that Olivares is only 24 years old. He is effectively spearheading a new dynasty, as his younger brother, Pablo, has already achieved a 907.5-kilogram (2,001-pound) raw total at the recent 2023 Powerlifting America Junior Nationals in the superheavyweight category.
Jesus Olivares will compete on the last day of the 2023 IPF World Classic Championships on June 18. His session will be broadcast live on Eurosport 2 and Eurosport Asia. The whole event will stream live for free on the Olympics YouTube channel and promises to be one of the most exciting meets of the year.
Featured Image: @mega.gojira on Instagram
