Elite powerlifter Amanda Lawrence is unbeaten at the world level. She lifts in the 84-kilogram class in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and has won every world championship she has entered, often by a startling margin. Lawrence holds the raw squat, raw deadlift, and raw total world records in her class and is ranked in the top three overall among female IPF lifters.
Lawrence broke the IPF raw squat world record three times in 2023, elevating it from 243.5 kilograms (537 pounds) to 249 kilograms (549 pounds) at the 2023 IPF Classic World Championships (CWC) in Malta. However, It seems this record might not be long for this world, judging by Lawrence’s latest squat training session.
On Jan. 10, 2024, Lawrence shared her 250.5-kilogram (552-pound) raw squat double on her Instagram page. Take a look at the phenomenal set below:
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Squatting out of a combo rack without the benefit of spotters speaks to Lawrence’s confidence. She used knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and a lifting belt to assist with the squat. While the second rep was slower than the first, Lawrence’s strength cannot be doubted, as she displayed no fault in her form.
There was evidence of knee valgus, where the knees cave in halfway through the squat. This is often touted as poor technique, but it’s Lawrence’s typical movement pattern. She has held the 84-kilogram IPF raw squat world record since 2019.
Either of Lawrence’s training reps would count as a squat world record if done on a sanctioned lifting platform during international competition, as each was one and a half kilograms (three pounds) over the current record. This is significant as Lawrence will next compete at the 2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships on Feb. 10, 2024, in the UK.
The 2024 Sheffield features an unusual format of cash prize payouts based on IPF world records. The main prize is based on the proportion of the total world record in class and will net the winner a £25,000 (approximately $31,800) payout. Additionally, there are £5,000 (approximately $6,375) bonuses awarded to any athlete who exceeds an Open class world record.
At the 2023 Sheffield Championships, Lawrence broke the raw squat, raw deadlift, and raw total records, but the standard at the competition was such that she only ranked fourth overall. Her performance earned her £16,000 (approx $20,400). Lawrence is more accustomed to winning with a barbell in hand, so expect improvement in her standing in 2024.
Tune into the SBD Apparel YouTube channel on Feb. 10, 2024, to watch some of the best raw powerlifters the IPF has to offer. They’ll duke it out in front of a sold-out crowd of over 2,200 people. The atmosphere promises to be electrical and the lifting superlative.
Featured image: @miss.amanda.ann on Instagram
