British powerlifter Jurins Kengamu pulled off the biggest upset so far at the 2024 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Classic World Championships (CWC) in Druskininkai, Lithuania.
Kengamu competed in the 83KG class and faced the much-vaunted return of two-time world champion Russel Orhii. On his return to IPF competition, Orhii was widely anticipated to dominate the 83KG class, but that did not pan out.
Kengamu was on a charge, appearing comfortable and in control throughout the competition. He hit every lift and pulled out a 15-kilogram personal best on his deadlift to snatch gold via a new IPF raw total world record of 845 kilograms. Take a look at this competition recap, courtesy of the SBD Apparel Instagram page:
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The challenge mounted slowly. Initially, the competition played out as expected. Orhii looked strong and confident and broke his squat world record with 321 kilograms. However, the jury overturned his 328-kilogram final squat for a lack of depth, which dented Orhii’s game plan.
Kengamu hit all three squats, matching his best with 310 kilograms, leaving him 11 kilograms behind going into bench press. Orhii benched 2.5 kilograms more, though, and the gap widened.
On deadlifts, Kengamu opened 7.5 kilograms heavier with 317.5 kilograms to Orhii’s 310 kilograms. This put Kengamu in a strong position, as he could react to whatever weight Orhii put on the barbell. It also closed the gap to only six kilograms.
Both athletes jumped 15 kilograms on their second attempt and looked like they had more to give. Orhii selected 335 kilograms for his final pull. It was likely the correct attempt selection, as it seemed close to the limit.
Kengamu emerged from the wings to take his final lift: 15 kilograms more than he had ever attempted in competition. The crowd screamed as he set his sumo stance. He raised a finger to his lips to call for quiet.
Absolute silence fell on the competition hall as Kengamu began to pull. He locked it out easily, suggesting that he could have done more. The audience roared their approval, and Kengamu fell to his knees, overcome with emotion. A new 83KG king was crowned.
2024 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championship Results — Jurins Kengamu (Great Britain), 83KG
- Squat
- 290 kilograms
- 305 kilograms
- 310 kilograms
- Bench Press
- 172.5 kilograms
- 180 kilograms
- 185 kilograms
- Deadlift
- 317.5 kilograms
- 332.5 kilograms
- 350 kilograms
- Total — 845 kilograms — IPF Open World Record
Not only did Kengamu win his first world title and his first world record, but he also secured his spot at two prestigious events: the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, and the 2025 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships.
You can watch the event live on The Olympic Channel and the IPF YouTube channel. Select sessions will be broadcast live on Eurosport, and highlights will air on Eurosport, Eurosport World, and CBS Sports.
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Featured image: @jkeng88 on Instagram
