Powerlifting America (PA) will hold its third Raw Nationals from March 14-16, 2024, in Reno, NV. It is an exciting event with several big-name powerlifters switching to PA from United States of America Powerlifting (USAPL).
All three days of the competition will be live-streamed on the SBD Apparel YouTube channel.
[Related: Antonio Pérez Barros (105KG) Sets IPF Junior Raw Squat World Record of 335 Kilograms]
Athletes to Watch
American records and titles are at stake at the 2024 PA Raw Nationals. A coveted place on the American team for the 2024 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Classic World Championships (CWC) in Druskininkai, Lithuania, is also on the line.
Austin Perkins, 74KG
Austin Perkins has the highest DOTS formula of any tested powerlifter globally. He hit an incredible 851 kilogram total in the 75-kilogram class at USAPL Raw Nationals in 2023 before switching to Powerlifting America.
Perkins’ squat, deadlift, and total at that event exceeded the current IPF world records in the 74-kilogram class. He will attempt to make those lifts official records at the 2024 IPF CWC.
Jessica Espinal & Heather Connor, 47KG
Jessica Espinal and Heather Connor are lined up for an intriguing rematch. They are closely matched on the squat, but Espinal has a considerably bigger bench press. However, Connor is far and away the best deadlifter in the world in this class.
Connor holds the IPF world record deadlift at 200 kilograms and is always guaranteed to pull last. Espinal has been on top at their last two meetings, so it will be interesting to see if it will be third time lucky for Connor.
Russel Orhii, 83KG
Russel Orhii was the IPF world champion in 2019 and 2021. He still holds the IPF squat world record at 320.5 kilograms and the all-time world record total for tested lifters in the 82.5-kilogram class with 838 kilograms. Orhii’s training has been on fire in his preparations for the 2024 PA Raw Nationals, and expectations are high for a great performance.
Alexis Jones, +84KG
Alexis Jones has the all time total world record in the super heavyweight class with 721.5 kilograms. She also matches Natalie Laalaai for the all-time deadlift record at 272.5 kilograms.
However, Jones’ superpower is her bench press. She hit 172.5 kilograms at USAPL Raw Nationals in 2023. If she can replicate this at PA Raw Nationals, she will hold the mantle of the biggest raw women’s bench press in the IPF.
Full Livestream Schedule
Note: All times PTZ. The schedule is subject to change. All sessions will be available to watch for free on the SBD Apparel YouTube channel.
Thursday, March 14
- Women’s 63KG ‘B’ Groups — 10 a.m.
- Men’s 59KG, 66KG, 74KG ‘B’ Groups — 10 a.m.
- Women’s 47KG, 52KG, 57KG & 63KG ‘A’ Groups — 4 p.m.
- Men’s 59KG, 66KG, 74KG ‘A’ Groups — 4 p.m.
Friday, March 15
- Women’s 69KG ‘B’ Group — 10 a.m.
- Men’s 83KG, 93KG, 105KG ‘B’ Groups — 10 a.m.
- Women’s 69KG ‘A’ Group — 4 p.m.
- Men’s 83KG, 93KG, 105KG ‘A’ Groups — 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 16
- Women’s 76KG, 84KG, +84KG ‘B’ Groups — 8 a.m.
- Men’s 120KG, 120+KG ‘B’ Groups — 8 a.m.
- Women’s 76KG, 84KG, +84KG ‘A’ Group — 2 p.m.
- Men’s 120KG, +120KG ‘A’ Groups — 2 p.m.
[Related: The 5 Best Triceps Stretches to Push Your Presses to the Next Level]
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Featured image: @heather.e.connor on Instagram
