With preparation nearly complete for the 2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships (2024 Sheffield), Amanda Lawrence has been hitting record-breaking numbers in training. If she can do the same on competition day, she will score a huge cash payout at the UK’s big money meets at City Hall, Sheffield, UK, on Feb. 10, 2024.
Lawrence has a long history of breaking records in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). She has held the squat world record in the 84-kilogram class since 2019, regularly increasing it up to the current record of 249 kilograms (549 pounds).
That record seems in serious peril, judging by the colossal 260-kilogram (573-pound) raw squat that Lawrence posted to her Instagram page on Jan. 25, 2024. Check it out below:
Lawrence had the confidence to attempt this huge weight without spotters. Her ascent was slow, but she appeared strong and in control throughout. Lawrence’s knees caving slightly is typical of her squatting style and does not suggest technique breakdown.
Lawrence’s squat is 11 kilograms (24 pounds) heavier than her current IPF squat world record, which also stands as the all-time record for tested lifters in the 90-kilogram class. With the 2024 Sheffield set up to reward IPF world records broken, this promises to be a lucrative event for Lawrence. She will receive £5,000 (~$6,350) for every world record broken.
Lawrence is not only a big squatter but also has an impressive deadlift. Her deadlift world record in the 84-kilogram class of 268.5 kilograms (592 pounds), set at the 2023 Sheffield, was the highest in the IPF until Australia’s Natalie Laalaai exceeded it in local competition shortly afterward.
Only two days after posting her phenomenal squat, Lawrence was back on Instagram with a 265-kilogram (628-pound) deadlift. Take a look below:
Lawrence set up in her familiar sumo stance and took the barbell in a mixed grip. It flew from the floor but needed effort to pull into full lockout. This put Lawrence within three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of the raw world record, and with the added impetus of a two thousand-strong crowd screaming encouragement, she could extend this record again.
I’m coming for all the World Records at Sheffield.
At the 2023 Sheffield, Lawrence missed the podium by a fraction but still took home £16,000 (over $20,000) in prize money for breaking the squat and the total world records. She scored 1.3 percent over the total world record.
Tune in to the SBD Apparel YouTube channel on Feb. 10, 2024, to see if Lawrence can improve on that performance this time.
Featured image: @miss.amanda.ann on Instagram
