Junior French sensation Jade Jacob scored the silver medal at 2022 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic Open Championship in South Africa at 21 years old and has only increased her strength ever since.
On August 13, Jacob shared a training update on her Instagram page wherein she squatted 175 kilograms (386 pounds), bench pressed 97.5 kilograms (215 pounds), and, most notably, pulled a raw 215-kilogram (474-pound) deadlift for four repetitions. Check it out below:
Deadlift
In the video, Jacob shows her deadlift first but isn’t clear what order she performed the three disciplines that comprise the powerlifter’s sport. Jacob deadlifted with a sumo stance while wearing a lifting belt to aid intra-abdominal pressure, giving her core something to brace against.
The first deadlift in the set appeared challenging to break from the floor, as is often the way with sumo. However, once Jacob got the barbell moving, there was no stopping her. She did not pause at all between reps.
An appreciative audience gathered at the back of the gym as the set progressed, calling out in encouragement. At the end of the set, Jacob looked at her right hand in disappointment. She mentioned it in the post’s caption, “Happy with this deadlift PR, but I know I should’ve locked that last rep better. Unfortunately, I tore my hand again.”
Bench Press
Jacob showed her bench press next, making short work of 97.5 kilograms (215 pounds). The press looked smooth and seemed comfortable. Her current competition-best bench press is 100 kilograms (220 pounds), so she could set a PR next time she competes.
Squat
The final clip in Jacob’s training update was her squat, a lift she excels in. She took 175 kilograms (386 pounds) for a spin, squatting deep. She holds the IPF Junior world record raw squat of 182.5 kilograms (403 pounds). She made a spirited attempt at 186 kilograms (410 pounds) for the Open raw world record at the inaugural Sheffield Powerlifting Championships. It didn’t quite work out, but it looks like she is ramping up for another attempt soon.
The deadlift is Jacob’s best lift. She broke the 57-kilogram class raw deadlift world record at the Sheffield contest previously held by Joy Nnamani, who had broken the record 12 times in an eight-year period. That record currently stands at 231 kilograms. Given the way Jacob’s deadlifts are progressing, the record seems in jeopardy.
Jacob is on the roster for the 2023 Girl Power Tournament, a female-only, annual invitational meet in France established in 2021. It is scheduled to take place in Cenon, France, on Sept. 22, 2023. Nominations are still open at the time of this article’s publication, but the roster includes squat world record holders Bobbie Butters and Noémie Allabert, deadlift world record holder Heather Connor, and Junior world champion Clara Peyraud.
Featured image: @jade.jacobb on Instagram
