Italy triumphed at the 2025 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic Championships, held in Chemnitz, Germany, from June 8 to 15. Their champion, Sara Naldi, scored gold in the 57KG category with a total world record and achieved a squat world record along the way.
The Women’s 57KG category is a monstrously stacked division with heavy hitters like 2024 IPF World Classic Champion Jade Jacob of France, who came in second overall, British National Champion Joy Nnamani, who claimed bronze, known for her dazzling dominance in the deadlift, her fellow countrywoman Bobbie Butters, who ranked just off the podium, and fifth-place’s Natalie Richards of the USA, who was the IPF World Classic Champion in 2023.
Despite the accolades between them, Naldi was not to be denied the top of the podium. Her 197.5-kilogram world record squat paved the way for a world record total of 520 kilograms — a staggering 15 kilograms over Jacob and Nnamani.
Check out Naldi’s world record lift below, courtesy of the IPF’s Instagram page:
Naldi’s determination was displayed during the ascent of her world record squat. The descent was a swift drop into the hole, but the grind to lockout was a journey that must have felt like an eternity for the Italian.
Despite the effort it appeared to take to lock out a weight never achieved in the category before, the lift never seemed in doubt.
2025 IPF World Classic Championships Results — Sara Naldi, 57KG
Naldi weighed in officially at 56.57 kilograms and went eight for nine in attempts, missing only her final deadlift attempt of 220 kilograms.
- Squat
- 180 kilograms
- 190 kilograms
- 197.5 kilograms — World Record
- Bench Press
- 100 kilograms
- 105 kilograms
- 107.5 kilograms
- Deadlift
- 205 kilograms
- 215 kilograms
220 kilograms
- Total — 520 kilograms — World Record
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Featured image: @theipf on Instagram
