Veteran powerlifter Rudy Kadlub, in his seventies, is still training hard and breaking records. He holds the all-time world total record in the Masters (70-74) 90-kilogram and 100-kilogram classes, as well as many International Powerlifting League (IPL) world records. Kadlub shared a training update on his Instagram page on Nov. 2, 2023, wherein he squatted 213 kilograms (470 pounds), which is three kilograms over his current IPL world record of 210 kilograms (463 pounds) in the 100-kilogram class.
Kadlub also holds IPL world records in the squat, bench press, deadlift, and total in three weight classes — 90-kilogram, 100-kilogram, and 110-kilogram. Check out his unofficial world-record training lift below:
Kadlub squatted in a monolift but still walked out the squat, taking small steps back to clear the monolift. He used a lifting belt, wrist wraps, and knee wraps to support the lift. Knee wraps are permitted in the classic raw category in the IPL.
Kadlub used a form of talon grip — typically a thumbless grip with the pinkie finger underneath the barbell. However, Kadlub hooked the barbell in the first two fingers only with his thumb loosely around the bar. Some lifters find that this grip ameliorates shoulder discomfort or overcomes restrictions elsewhere. However, powerlifters should check their federation rules before using this grip as it might not be accepted in sanctioned competition.
Kadlub took a long moment to compose himself before beginning the lift. The descent was slow and controlled, and he kept a relatively upright position to the bottom of the squat. Once he reached depth, he made the most of the rebound afforded by his knee wraps to finish the lift with comparable ease. He shouted his victory at the top of the lift before walking the weight back into the monolift arms and racking the bar.
Kadlub is in training for the 2023 IPL World Championships, set to be held in Eugene, OR, on Nov. 16-19, 2023. If all goes well, Kadlub is expected to attempt to extend his IPL squat world record at this contest and adding yet another world title to his collection. Kadlub turns 75 in 2024 and will move into the next Masters division (ages 75-79). That switch will give him the opportunity to try for yet more IPL world records.
Featured image: @rudykadlub on Instagram
