Elite powerlifter Austin Perkins set the record books alight in 2023. He hit the biggest squat in knee sleeves ever recorded in the 75-kilogram class — a massive 313.5 kilograms (691 pounds). Perkins also set that class’s all-time world record total with a colossal 851 kilograms (1,876 pounds), scoring the highest DOTS score ever recorded for a tested powerlifter.
Perkins hasn’t finished yet, judging by his recent training videos. He continues to improve, adding weight to his lifts. Take a look at this phenomenal 305-kilogram (672-pound) squat triple in a post on his Instagram page on Jan. 20, 2024:
Perkins’ first two repetitions were fast, with barely a pause between them. He took a second to compose himself before beginning the third rep, which was just as smooth as the previous two.
The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) world record in the 74-kilogram class is 283.5 kilograms (625 pounds) by New Zealand’s Tim Monigatti. Perkins is repping 21.5 kilograms (47 pounds) over the IPF world record.
Perkins isn’t just a big squatter; he has an impressive deadlift, too. One day after posting this huge squat workout, Perkins was back with a record-exceeding deadlift of 340 kilograms (750 pounds). Check it out below:
In the video, Perkins set up in a sumo stance and took hold of the barbell in a mixed grip. It was slow to lock out but undeniable once there. Perkins held the lift at the top and gave a big smile to the camera.
For you to catch up, I have to stop progressing…
The 74-kilogram class deadlift world record in the IPF is 330 kilograms (727.5 pounds), recently set by Kjell Bakkelund at the 2023 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Classic in Estonia. Perkins looks set to smash that at his earliest opportunity.
Perkins will next compete at Powerlifting America (PA) Raw Nationals, where he will vie for a place on the USA national team. If successful, Perkins will travel to Druskininkai, Lithuania, for the 2024 IPF Classic World Championships. He will go head to head with some of the IPF’s finest in pursuit of his first Open world title and a hatful of world records.
PA Raw Nationals will be held in Reno, Nevada, from March 15-17, 2024. All the action will be streamed live on Powerlifting America’s YouTube channel.
Featured image: @the75kg on Instagram
