World-record-setting powerlifter Jamal Browner has announced that he will take a break from competing in his current sport to focus on bodybuilding. Browner, who has not competed since April 2024 at the WRPF Ghost Clash 3 event in Miami, FL, said announcing his decision was difficult.
Browner made his intentions known in a 14-minute video on his YouTube channel. It can be seen in its entirety below:
[Related: Sonita Muluh (+84KG) Raw Squats 7 Kilograms Over All-Time Drug Tested World Record]
I’m going to be stepping away from powerlifting.
—Jamal Browner
Browner cited mental health and family matters as reasons for his decision. He referenced changes in the sport, including the varying federations and decisions that contributed to his walking away.
“It’s just too much,” Browner expressed. “There’s not enough incentive to continue to push for something that the majority is pushing for the betterment of the sport.”
Instead, Browner is shifting focus to bodybuilding, aiming to earn IFBB Professional League status. He shared his goal of becoming the strongest IFBB Pro ever.
“[Bodybuilding] would be something fun; a new challenge.”
—Jamal Browner
According to Open Powerlifting, Browner has been competing in powerlifting since 2016. He is best known for his deadlifting prowess, including pulling 500 kilograms with a sumo stance and lifting straps in 2022 during a training session. His career bests in competition for each lift are below:
- Squat — 370 kilograms
- Bench Press — 227.5 kilograms
- Deadlift — 460 kilograms
Browner is arguably in his powerlifting prime but opts for a new challenge in a different strength sport. He is the latest well-known powerlifter to step onto a bodybuilding stage. One of the most prominent examples of a powerlifting competitor excelling in bodybuilding is eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, who was competing in powerlifting meets when he discovered bodybuilding.
Hunter Henderson is the most successful competitor in both sports in recent history. She set the all-time squat record of 311 kilograms at the 2024 Ghost Clash 3 event and then won the 2024 Titans Grand Prix Pro in September to qualify for the 2024 Ms. Olympia contest, where she finished 13th.
Other well-known powerlifters who have earned pro-bodybuilding status include Brianny Terry, Marianna Gasparyan, Johnnie Jackson, and Stan Efferding. Browner would have to qualify for a national-level NPC show before attempting to earn pro status.
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Featured Image: @jamalbrowner on Instagram
