Elite powerlifter John Haack planned to lift at the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Ghost Clash 3 in the 90KG class but had to change his plans when his weight cut went awry. Nevertheless, he put in a dominant victory, only a few kilograms into the 100KG class.
Haack owns most of the all-time world records (ATWR) in the raw (knee sleeves permitted) 90KG class. Only the squat record eludes him. He had intended right that at the Ghost Clash 3, but abandoning his cut early prevented the opportunity.
Haack is no slouch in the 100KG class, though, owning the bench press and total ATWRs. His plan coming into the Ghost Clash 3 was:
- Squat — 365.5 kilograms
- Bench Press — 268 kilograms
- Deadlift — 410 kilograms
- Total — 1,043.5 kilograms (2,400 pounds)
Before the meet, Haack had said that the bench might be a bit of a stretch, but he felt he could make up the difference on the deadlift. He intended to score a 2,400-pound total. He was right on both counts.
2024 WRPF Ghost Clash 3 — John Haack (USA), 100KG Raw
- Squat
- 325 kilograms350 kilograms365 kilograms
- Bench Press
- 235 kilograms
- 252.5 kilograms
265 kilograms
- Deadlift
- 370 kilograms
- 400 kilograms
- 426 kilograms
- Total — 1,043.5 kilograms — All-Time World Record
Haack went eight for nine, missing only his third bench press. Haack’s 426-kilogram pull was tough and right on the limit of strength, but he locked it out successfully and went home with his ambitions realized.
Haack deadlifts with a conventional stance and employs the “dip, grip, and rip” technique, in which he spreads his arms wide, drops to the barbell, takes it in a mixed grip, and immediately starts to pull. It looked for a moment like the bar stalled out at his knees, but Haack got it moving again and succeeded in scoring a 16-kilogram personal best.
Haack’s performance was easily enough to top the best lifter table, even at a higher body weight than anticipated. He took home the top prize of $4,000. If you missed the competition, watch the meet back on the WRPF YouTube Channel.
Editor’s note: BarBend is the Official Media Partner of the WRPF. The two organizations maintain editorial independence unless otherwise noted on specific content projects.
Featured image: @bilbo_swaggins181 on Instagram
