In just under a month, over 1,100 of the nation’s top powerlifters will be making their way to Spokane, Washington to compete at the 2018 USAPL Raw Nationals. One of the athletes who will be competing in the competitive -83kg weight class, and who’s revving up to hit some huge numbers is none other Russel Orhii.
Orhii has become well-known in the powerlifting community for not only being one the world’s top -83kg raw athletes, but also as being a regular contender for IPF World and USAPL National records. In fact, earlier this year at the 2018 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, Orhii held the open squat world record for a short period of time before Brett Gibbs broke it soon after by .5kg.
This year, Orhii has had strong performances in all of his meets. In March, Orhii took home first place in the -83kg weight class at the SBD Pro American held at the Arnold Sports Festival with a strong 780kg total. Then in June, he took home second at the 2018 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships hitting a 783.5kg total.
To add to the hype of this year’s USAPL Raw Nationals, Orhii is moving huge weight and with ease. Yesterday, he shared a squat video that highlights a monstrous 301.5kg/665 lb squat, which is 2.5kg over the current IPF World Record and single kg over the American Record (held by Orhii).
In Orhii’s Instagram video’s description he writes, “665lbs/301.5kg for a single. Depth was a little iffy but I’ll clean that up next session. I’m surprised I had that much gas left in the tank after Saturday’s session. This is probably the most I’ve pushed squat during a peak but I’m here for it!”
Author’s Note: For those having trouble viewing Orhii’s squat below on mobile — click here!
We don’t know about you, but we’re pumped to see what Orhii can hit at this year’s Nationals. Last year, Orhii steadily took home first in the -83kg weight class, and with new maxes on the horizon he’s looking as ready as ever.
Feature image from @russwole Instagram page.
