If you have never heard of Mary Theisen-Lappen, then prepare to be introduced to a major potential player in the women’s 87+kg weight class in the near future. Yesterday, the former track and field athlete turned competitive weightlifter performed what might be the heaviest jerk ever done by an American women — a 182kg/400lb lift off blocks.
Check it out below courtesy of her Instagram page. She makes it look quite smooth for how much weight is on the barbell.
[Related: The heaviest American women’s snatch and clean & jerk]
[Related: The heaviest women’s snatch and clean & jerk ever made in competition]
Theisen-Lappen dabbled in powerlifting with two competitive USA Powerlifting appearances in 2014 and 2015 — both of which she won. Although she has not yet competed in Olympic weightlifting on the world stage, she does have some meaningful results.
At the 2019 American Open Finals at the Arnold Sports Festival, she claimed the gold by a full 18kg/40lb with her competition best 260kg/573.2lb total. Here were her stats from that event:
- Snatch — 106kg/233.7lb
- Clean & Jerk — 154kg/339.5lb
- Total — 260kg/573.2lb
Theisen-Lappen missed two attempts in the snatch at 110kg/242.5lb. On her third attempt in the clean & jerk, she went for 163kg/359.4lb to set a new women’s American record but was unsuccessful.
It is safe to assume that the women’s 87+kg division is going to heat up in the next few years. If Theisen-Lappen can stay healthy and continue to progress on this 182kg/400lb, she’ll be part of the reason why.
Feature image from Mary Theisen-Lappen’s Instagram page: @coachmaryyy
