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Home » Bodybuilding News » Should Powerlifter Russel Orhii Compete in Bodybuilding?

Should Powerlifter Russel Orhii Compete in Bodybuilding?

Orhii's been posing on his social media suggesting crossover possibility.

Written by Roger Lockridge
Last updated on August 5th, 2024

When sports fans think of two-sport athletes, Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders are among the names that come to mind. However, several strength sports competitors have excelled in multiple fitness disciplines. 

For example, several female powerlifters, including Hunter Henderson and Marianna Gasparyan, have competed in bodybuilding and earned their pro cards; both competed in the 2024 IFBB Pro League season. Brianny Terry is another female powerlifter who will make her pro bodybuilding debut in 2025.

Johnnie Jackson and Mike O’Hearn are known for their excellence in powerlifting and bodybuilding. This means multi-strength-sport success can be achieved. The latest male powerlifter to create buzz online is Russel Orhii.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Russel Orhii (@russwole)

Orhii set an IPF world record squat at the 2024 IPF World Classic Championships with a lift of 321 kilograms, the latest in multiple records to his credit. As documented by Open Powerlifting, his best lifts in each of the three movements are below:

Russel Orhii’s Top Competition Lifts

  • Squat — 340 kilograms
  • Bench Press — 195 kilograms
  • Deadlift — 350 kilograms

[Related: Learn To Lat Spread From 7X Mr. Olympia Phil Heath]

Orhii as a Bodybuilder

Orhii has bodybuilding experience already. According to NPC News Online, Orhii placed second in the 2016 NPC Lee Labrada Classic, the only show he is credited with on record. 

Even if it has been eight years since he last stepped onstage, the bodybuilding bug is still with Orhii. His YouTube channel description describes him as a powerlifter and bodybuilder. Furthermore, multiple Instagram posts display Orhii performing bodybuilding poses, including the front double biceps, the rear lat spread, and the side triceps.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Russel Orhii (@russwole)

[Related: The Evolving History of Bodybuilding Poses]

Orhii appears confident when posing and has the shape to stand on a competitive bodybuilding stage. It would likely not take him long to diet and improve his conditioning. 

Orhii set his IPF world record as an 83KG competitor. If he were to enter an NPC show, he could compete as a middleweight after losing four kilograms or as a light-heavyweight by maintaining his weight. Odds suggest Orhii would get as shredded as possible to make the middleweight category.

If Orhii were to compete in bodybuilding, would he compete in traditional bodybuilding or enter a different division, such as Men’s Physique or Classic Physique? The years of powerlifting training could prove advantageous for muscle maturity and density.

Regardless of what division or class Orhii were to enter, he has shown the potential to be the latest of several multi-sport strength athletes who could excel in powerlifting and bodybuilding. The questions left to answer are whether he would compete and, if so, what show he would enter.

More Bodybuilding Posing Content

  • The Infamous Moon Pose Is Forbidden on Bodybuilding Stages
  • How Jay Cutler’s “Quad Stomp” Pose Became the Most Iconic Photo in Mr. Olympia History
  • The 10 Best Posers in Men’s Bodybuilding History

Featured image: @russwole on Instagram

About Roger Lockridge

Roger "Rock" Lockridge has been writing professionally for 10 years and has been training for 20. His work in the fitness industry has been seen in numerous outlets and has been a part of coverage for several events including the Mr. Olympia, Arnold Classic, the CrossFit Games, and the Olympics. He's also shared his own personal success story in several interviews and articles. Lockridge lives in West Virginia with his wife and son.

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