The American Powerlifting Federation (APF) Cincinnati Women’s Pro/Am on April 11, 2021, could be viewed as a legendary event in the sport with how many world records were scored. Super heavyweight Jessica Springer deadlifted an all-time world record of 285.8 kilograms (630 pounds) raw. Jaclyn Cornwell hit an all-time world record squat of 258.5 kilograms (570 pounds) raw in the 67.5-kilogram class. They are joined by Leah Reichman, who hit an all-time world record squat of 399.1 kilograms (880 pounds) equipped in the 90+ kilogram class.
According to Open Powerlifting, Reichman’s new multi-ply world record is 11.7 kilograms (25.8 pounds) heavier than the previous record of 387.5 kilograms (854.3 pounds) lifted by Becca Swanson at the 2005 World Powerlifting (WPC) WPO Semifinals. It stood for 15 years and six months. If you have not seen Reichman’s squat world record yet, you can do so below via her Instagram page:
Note: scroll to the left to see the world record squat. The first video is an earlier successful attempt at a 390.1-kilogram (860-pound) squat.
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[Related: Powerlifter Vladimir Zhadenov Squats All-Time World Record 324 Kilograms at 75KG]
Reichman notes that securing this lift was a “long-term” goal that she set for herself when she first started competing in the caption of the post.
This number is something I’ve had in my head for 4.5 years. I worked hard for this.
Below are Reichman’s stats from the event:
- Squat — 399.1 kilograms (880 pounds) — all-time world record
- Bench Press — 61.2 kilograms (135 pounds)
- Deadlift — 276.7 kilograms (610 pounds)
- Total — 737.1 kilogram (1,625 pounds) — competition best.
The bench press was much lower than what Reichman is capable of. Her competition best is a 215-kilogram (474-pound) press from the 2020 WPC WPO Super Finals — where she won bronze. However, her deadlift from the APF Cincinnati Women’s Pro/Am is her heaviest ever in competition by 1.7 kilograms.
Since beginning her competitive powerlifting career in 2016 at the age of 27, Reichman has appeared in eight sanctioned competitions and has only missed the podium twice.
Currently, the extremely strong Reichman has the second heaviest total of all time — 862.5 kilograms (1,901.5 pounds). The total world record of 930 kilograms (2,050.3 pounds) has been in Swanson’s name since 2005 — she is the only female powerlifter to hit a total eclipsing 2,000 pounds. With Reichman’s squat record in the books, we’ll see if an all-time world record total will be Reichman’s new goal.
Featured image: @leahreichman on Instagram
