Lucy Underdown has knocked down another record. On Friday, Mar. 1, 2024, Underdown made history in Columbus, OH when she set a new all-time women’s Elephant Bar deadlift world record of 302 kilograms, or 666 pounds.
The 2023 winner of Europe’s Strongest Woman set the tone during the opening event of the 2024 Arnold Strongwoman Classic with yet another jaw-dropping deadlift record. Check it out:
[Check In: 2024 Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic Leaderboard]
Underdown pulled off this spectacular feat of strength with the help of perhaps the world’s sturdiest lifting straps as well as a weight belt, and was personally congratulated on stage for her achievement by Arnold Schwarzenegger. With the lift, she adds 15 pounds to the previous world record — 651 pounds, held by Victoria Long (who withdrew from the 2024 Arnold Strongwoman Classic after the first event).
Underknown is known for her prowess in the deadlift — she was the first woman in history to break the 700-pound mark — this was her first time competing at the Strongwoman Classic in Columbus. Based on this performance, it seems unlikely to be her last.
What Is the Elephant Bar Challenge?
The Elephant Bar is a specialty barbell crafted by Rogue Fitness. The Challenge was first unveiled at the ASF in 2016 as a way for the strongest deadlifters in the world to continue pushing their limits on stage.
- The Elephant Bar is longer than a traditional barbell and is intentionally designed to create significant whip, which is advantageous for top-class pullers.
- The bar is also loaded with two-inch thick plates, distributing the overall weight farther from the center of the bar, which aids the athlete’s leverage.
- Unlike during a traditional powerlifting meet, athletes competing on the Elephant Bar can use lifting straps to aid their grip, given the inordinately heavy weights the bar allows for.
[Related: Should the Elephant Bar Deadlift World Record Count?]
How to Watch the 2024 Arnold Strongwoman Classic
Underdown may be leading the way at the ASF this year, but the 2024 Strongwoman Classic is a two-day event, and there’s plenty more great lifting on the way. The event opened on Mar. 1 and will conclude with the Finals on Saturday, Mar. 2, 2024.
While Underdown is certainly in a good position thanks to her world-record deadlift, she hasn’t yet secured the $25,000 first-place check. If you want to tune in to the action yourself, you can tune in to the live stream on the Arnold Sports website and the Rogue Fitness YouTube channel.
More Arnold Sports Festival News
- 2024 Arnold Sports Festival Classic Physique Pre-Judging Report
- Victoria Long Suffers Hamstring Injury; Withdraws From the 2024 Arnold Strongwoman Classic
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski Trains Heavy for the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic
Featured Image: TJ Darr
