Bobb Matthews may have achieved one of the most unique accolades in recent powerlifting. At the 2024 Powerlifting America (PA) Raw Nationals on March 14-16, 2024, in Reno, NV, Matthews competed in the 120KG class at an official body weight of 106.25 kilograms.
Matthews went seven for nine in attempts. Despite only being 1.25 kilograms into the weight class, Matthews matched the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) world record raw total of 978.5 kilograms, held by Dennis Cornelius of the USA, en route to gold. Check out Matthews’ performance in the videos below, courtesy of his Instagram page:
[Related: Ashton Rouska (105KG) Exceeds IPF World Record Total at 2024 Powerlifting America Raw Nationals]
2024 Powerlifting America Raw Nationals Results — Bobb Matthews, 120KG
- Squat
- 325 kilograms (716.5 pounds)
- 347.5 kilograms (766.1 pounds)
- 360 kilograms (793.7 pounds)
- Bench Press
- 220 kilograms (485 pounds)
- 240 kilograms (529.1 pounds)
245 kilograms (540.1 pounds)
- Deadlift
- 345 kilograms (760.6 pounds)
- 378.5 kilograms (834.5 pounds)
390.5 kilograms (860.9 pounds)
- Total — 978.5 kilograms (2,157.2 pounds) — Matches IPF World Record Total
Matthews offered insight into his mindset in the caption of his Instagram post. Had it not been a tight clash for the top of the podium between him and runner-up Devin Williams, Matthews may have called for heavier weights on the barbell:
“Came in with nothing short of 1000 kilos on my mind,” said Matthews. “Felt good for 990 had I optimized attempt selection. That wasn’t the case, as I was in a battle. The second deadlift was to seal the win instead of prioritizing a 3rd pull. Not bad for my first conventional meet.”
Matthews’ performance secured him a spot on Team USA for the 2024 IPF World Classic Championships from June 15-23, 2024, in Druskininkai, Lithuania.
More Powerlifting Content
- Russel Orhii (83KG) Scores Unofficial IPF Squat and Total World Records at 2024 Powerlifting America Raw Nationals
- Brandon Pitre (93KG) Matches IPF Raw Total World Record of 895 Kilograms; Ousts Jonathan Cayco on Team USA for 2024 World Championships
- Austin Perkins (75KG) Hits All-Time World Record Raw Squat of 318 Kilograms at 2024 PA Raw Nationals
Featured image: @ssjbobb on Instagram
