Over the past couple of years, Enahoro Asein has established himself as one of the biggest deadlifters in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). He is by far the lightest lifter to hit over 370 kilograms (816 pounds) in competition, and his training has been on fire lately as he prepares for the 2023 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Classic Championships in Tartu, Estonia. Competing in the 83-kilogram class, Asein is scheduled to lift on Dec. 5, 2023.
Asein posted his latest feat of strength on his Instagram page on Sept. 27, 2023: a colossal 355-kilogram (783-pound) raw deadlift triple. Check it out below:
In the video, Asein set up in a sumo stance, using only a lifting belt for support. He has a very distinctive style due to his particular mechanics and makes great use of his leverages. On the first repetition, he gripped the barbell tightly, using a mixed grip and plenty of chalk, and the bar visibly bent before it left the platform.
Asein takes the weight to lockout with apparent ease, leaning back into full extension at the top. Reps two and three seemed to move just as quickly as the first and gave the impression that he could easily have done more. This set also raises the question of where Asein’s one rep max could be right now.
Asein is the current IPF deadlift world record holder in the 83-kilogram class. He hit 370.5 kilograms (817 pounds) at the 2023 IPF Classic World Championships (CWC) in Malta to take the record on his way to securing the silver medal. He attempted 380.5 kilograms (839 pounds) to snatch victory from Delaney Wallace — it came off the floor, but he could not finish it off.
That was the second time Asein had pulled for the win against Wallace. At the 2022 CWC in South Africa, he narrowly missed the 385-kilogram (849-pound) deadlift that would have given him victory. He finished in third place at that contest, having chosen to risk the silver medal in shooting for the gold, an admirable strategy.
Asein has since hit 380 kilograms (838 pounds) in training. It was a tough lockout but doesn’t look too far from platform-ready. Of course, he will have to squat and bench press first in competition, which impacts the deadlift. Asein will lift against the current European Champion, Jurins Kengamu, at the 2023 EPF European Classic Championships. They have faced off three times previously; Kengamu is two for three, and Asein surely aims to balance the score.
Featured image: @thehumancrane