For fans of powerlifting, Dan Bell has become what Patrick Mahomes is to professional football. Whenever the super heavyweight powerlifter (140+ kilograms) competes, it’s a must-see event because anything can happen. The Florida native has reached the rarified air that any third attempt he takes can go down in powerlifting history.
Fans in attendance at the 2021 Kern US Open in San Diego, CA, saw Bell add to his impressive powerlifting legacy. Competing in the meet raw with wraps, he was in a three-way tie for the all-time world record in the squat with a lift of 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds). The other two co-holders were Vladislav Alhozov and Mojtaba Maleki. Bell now has sole possession of the world record thanks to his final successful attempt of 505 kilograms (1,113 pounds) at the Kern contest.
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Bell weighed 170 kilograms (375 pounds) during the meet, which is considered light for him. Here are his full stats from the competition:
- Squat — 505 kilograms (1,113 pounds), new ATWR
- Bench Press — 275 kilograms (606 pounds)
- Deadlift — 390 kilograms (859 pounds)
- Total — 1,170 kilograms (2,578 pounds)
Fans that were watching the live stream could tell that he was having a good day on the opening lift of the meet taking place on April 24, 2021. His opener was an easy attempt with 465 kilograms followed by a 20-kilogram jump to 485. He then jumped another 20 kilograms more on his final and record-taking attempt. For added flair, fireworks were set off as he hit the squat.
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Bell now owns the world records for the squat and total in the Raw With Wraps division. the Hybrid Showdown III event in Miami, FL, which took place in February 2021, Bell set the all-time world record total at 1,182.5 kilograms (2,607 pounds). He is the first man to total over 2,600 pounds in the Raw With Wraps division. Bell also still owns the record for total in raw with wraps and raw with sleeves — 1,127 kilograms (2,484.6 pounds).
Overall, Bell finished in first place. Thomas David finished behind him as the runner-up. In the 90-kilogram men’s weight class, Chad Penson became the first man to squat 400 kilograms. Day one of the Kern US Open has wrapped. On Sunday, April 25, 2021, the lightweight men and women will compete. Stay tuned to BarBend for more world record coverage and a full event recap to come.
Featured image: Photo by Justin Yoncé /@jyonce43 on Instagram