Masters powerlifting legend Rudy Kadlub never ceases to amaze and inspire strength sports fans. On May 10, 2022, Kadlub posted a video on Instagram of himself squatting 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds) for a double on a Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar at age 73, which has a curve to it that he credits for supporting his shoulders.
Kadlub wore a weightlifting belt, wrist wraps, and knee wraps during the set. It took place at Kabuki Strength in Oregon and can be seen in the video below:
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The first rep appeared to be deeper than the second, but both reps would’ve likely received white lights in a meet, aside from the bar he was using. He told BarBend that he would switch to the regular barbell in his next session.
I don’t use a regular bar until three weeks out. So, if you count me competing at Nationals or Worlds, I only use a regular barbell six weeks a year.
When Kadlub’s set was posted, he was less than three weeks away from competing in the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) National Championships. That meet is scheduled to occur during the week of May 27-31, 2022, in Atlanta, GA. He is expected to compete in the 100-kilogram weight class of the Masters 70-74 division.
Kadlub’s last meet was on Nov. 4, 2021, at the International Powerlifting League (IPL) Drug Tested World Championships in Costa Mesa, CA. Competing raw with wraps in the Masters 70-74, 100-kilogram class, he squatted 204.5 kilograms (451 pounds) on that day to go along with a 142.4-kilogram (314-pound) bench press and a 232.1-kilogram (512-pound) deadlift, for a total of 579.1 kilograms (1,277 pounds).
That day could be considered a “grand slam” of powerlifting because all four numbers represented new IPL world records in the 70-74 division at 100-kilograms. He told BarBend that he feels he can improve on all three lifts at his upcoming meet.
I’d like to get 456 on the squat, 315-ish on the bench, and…pull 523 like I did on my birthday…I would break all my records, including the total.
Kadlub hopes to repeat the four-for-four world record numbers in Atlanta. He says it would be the seventh time he pulls off that feat if he does.
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On Kadlub’s 73rd birthday (Apr. 11, 2022), he deadlifted 237.2 kilograms (523 pounds), which was over 2.5 times his bodyweight. That was also 2.2 kilograms more than his best competition deadlift.
On Nov. 6, 2020, Kadlub pulled 235 kilograms (518.1 pounds) at the USPA Drug Tested North American Championships. Based on his training thus far in 2022, fans may see more records fall when he takes the platform in Atlanta on Memorial Day weekend.
Kadlub further shared with BarBend that after he competes on Monday, May 30, 2022, he will fly to the Cleveland Clinic the following day to undergo surgery on the AC joint in his right shoulder. Aside from the time it will take to recover; he expects to be back in the weight room training again. He shared that information to promote the message that people getting older can still make moves in fitness and strength sports.
“There are several people in my age group that have had joint issues or replacements, then they stay on the couch for the rest of their lives. There’s no reason to do that. It’s important for people to know that even after a joint replacement, they can still be active.”
Featured image: @rudykadlub on Instagram
