When Russian powerlifter Yury Belkin competes, then you know you’re in for a show. Belkin recently wrapped up competing at the World Raw Powerlifting Federation’s (WRPF) World Championships that are currently being held in Moscow, Russia from October 24-29th.
Last year, Belkin made a splash with his epic 920kg (925 lb) beltless deadlift, while weighing in at a mere 103kg. This year, Belkin weighed in at 103kg again, and has raised the stakes even higher after deadlifting 440kg (970 lb) for a new all time world record in the 242 lb weight class.
Did we mention he pulled it beltless and with a hook grip? Check out Belkin’s insane deadlift video below.
What’s even more crazy is that this was only Belkin’s second attempt, and he closely missed an historic 461kg (1,016 lb) third attempt. A successful third attempt would have made him the first ever athlete to pull over 1,000 lbs raw in the 242 lb weight class.
[Check out Belkin and Cailer Woolam’s epic deadlift battle at the Boss of Bosses 4 meet from late August.]
To wrap up the meet, Belkin finished first for his class and completed a 390kg (858 lb) squat, a 225kg (495 lb) bench, and of course the 440kg deadlift, which earned him a total of 1,055kg (2,321 lbs). This total also awards Belkin the 242 lb total all time world record.
The previous all time world record for the 242 lb weight class was also held by Belkin at 925 lbs, which he set at this meet last year. This new 440kg (968 lb) deadlift will push his record even further, and possibly past the reach of what Cailer Woolam will be capable of when he competes at the SPF Reebok Record Breakers meet in three weeks.
After recently pulling 426kg (938 lbs) for a lifetime PR, Woolam told us he’s aiming for the 242 lb deadlift world record at the SPF meet. Will Woolam be able to pull 440kg in three weeks, or will Belkin’s new record stand? Time will tell.
Feature image screenshot from @powerliftingmotivation Instagram page.