On March 1, 2021, powerlifter Josh Greiner performed what seems like an inconceivable training session. At 17 years of age and a bodyweight of 105 kilograms (231.5 pounds), he performed the three big lifts raw — squat, bench press, and deadlift — hitting personal records in the former two. Those PRs and his total would have matched or bested current International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) raw Teen (16-17) world records (TWR) in multiple weight classes. Here were his stats and where they would rank on the IPF TWR list had they been hit in competition, according to Open Powerlifting:
- Squat — 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds)
- 10-kilogram (22-pound) PR
- 20 kilograms (44.1 pounds) more than the current TWR at 105-kilograms
- Matches the current TWR at 120-kilograms
- Bench Press — 210 kilograms (463 pounds)
- 10-kilogram (22-pound) PR
- 14 kilograms (30.9 pounds) more than the current TWR at 105-kilograms
- Five kilograms (11 pounds) more than the current TWR at 120-kilograms
- Would be the second heaviest bench press ever at +120-kilograms.
- Deadlift — 265 kilograms (584.2 pounds)
- Total — 775 kilograms (1,708.6 pounds)
- 41.5 kilograms (91.5 pounds) more than the current TWR at 105-kilograms
- Would be the second heaviest total ever at 120-kilograms.
Before we dive into Greiner’s competitive background, check out all three of Greiner’s training lifts below in the video he shared on his Instagram page:
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[Related: Powerlifter Malik Triolet Sets World Record Total of 705 Kilograms at Age 17]
Much work needed on deadlifts, but overall a great day.
Considering his squat and bench press would be the heaviest ever if they were performed at a sanctioned event, his deadlift needing “much work” is accurate, but it’s not as though he’s that far behind the curve. For context, the current TWR deadlift at 105-kilograms is Robert Mejia’s 302.5-kilogram (666.9-pound) lift from the 2018 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Bend the Bar event.
Greiner and the Podium
Since starting his competitive powerlifting career in the 110-kilogram weight class in 2019 at the IronBoy Tarheel State Powerlifting Championships in Belmont, NC. Since then, he has only competed in USA Powerlifting (USAPL) events at 105-kilograms. Greiner has competed in four events and landed on the podium all four times. Here are Greiner’s competition best lifts:
- Squat — 272.5 kilograms (600.8 pounds)
- 17.5 kilograms (38.6 pounds) under his current PR.
- Bench Press — 190 kilograms (418.9 pounds)
- 20 kilograms (44.1 pounds) under his current PR.
- Deadlift — 272.5 kilograms (600.8 pounds)
- Total — 712.5 kilograms (1,570.8 pounds)
- 62.5 kilograms (137.8 pounds) under his current PR.
[Related: What You Need to Know About How to Increase Strength]
All eyes should focus on Greiner when he is able to step back onto the competitive platform again. With the weight he is pulling in the gym these days, he is clearly capable of pushing the TWR (16-17) to the next level.
Feature image from Josh Greiner’s Instagram page: @jc_power16
