On Nov. 26, 2023, 84-kilogram powerlifter Erholove Izobodo-John competed at the British Selections Competition (BSC). This event came about as a result of a reorganization of the European calendar. With only 12 weeks between the 2023 EPF European Classic and the 2024 event, the BSC is intended to broaden the selection pool for the British international team.
At the culmination of a historic nine-for-nine performance, Izobodo-John deadlifted an incredible 260 kilograms (573 pounds) raw — seven kilograms over the raw UK record she scored in August 2023. Check out the lift below, courtesy of the British Powerlifting Instagram page:
Prior to the above lift, Izobodo-John claimed the 2023 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Junior World Championship title in Cluj Napoca, Romania, on Sept. 2, 2023, re-writing the history books en route to victory — extending her Junior European squat record to 212.5 kilograms (468.5 pounds) and deadlifting a monstrous 253 kilograms (558 pounds) to break the IPF Junior world record and the European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Open record. This huge lift also stood as the biggest female deadlift in British Powerlifting (BP) history until the 2023 BSC.
2023 BP Selection Competition Results — Erholove Izobodo-John, 84KG
- Squat
- 200 kilograms (441 pounds)
- 212.5 kilograms (468.5 pounds)
- 217.5 kilograms (479.5 pounds)
- Bench Press
- 95 kilograms (209.5 pounds)
- 100 kilograms (220.5 pounds)
- 105 kilograms (231.5 pounds)
- Deadlift
- 235 kilograms (518 pounds)
- 250 kilograms (551 pounds)
- 260 kilograms (573 pounds)
- Total — 582.5 kilograms (1,284 pounds)
Izobodo-John held onto the weight plates to set her footing in a sumo stance — feet wide apart, hands gripping close to the inner edge of the barbell’s knurling. She clipped her lifting belt closed, shook her arms out a few times, and composed herself before beginning the lift. The bar flew from the platform, and Izobodo-John carefully pulled back into lockout, allowing herself a smile at the top.
Records could not be set at this meet, but Izobodo-John exceeded her own international records in the squat and deadlift. She is only 8.5 kilograms (19 pounds) away from Amanda Lawrence’s Open world record in the deadlift in the 84-kilogram class. Only four women in the IPF have deadlifted more raw — peerless company for the Junior lifter.
It is not yet clear whether Izobodo-John will lift in the Open class at the 2024 European Classic Championships or continue in the Junior classes. What is clear, however, is that this young powerlifter has not yet found her limit.
Featured image: @gppowerfed on Instagram
