Buttner moved up a weight class and it was business as usual.
Jessica Buettner had planned to compete as an 84-kilogram powerlifter for some time, but waited for the superstar change to materialize. With the 2023 Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) Nationals happening February 13-18, 2023 in Richmond, BC, Canada, the two-time Open International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Champions proved it was worth the wait.
By the end of the contest, Buttner had scored Two raw Canadian national records with a deadlift of 250 kilograms (551.2 pounds) and a total of 559 kilograms (1,232.4 pounds). Such results helped Buettner capture his third Canadian national title in four years. (Note: Buettner did not participate in the 2021 edition.) The athlete wore a lifting belt, wrist wraps and knee sleeves for her squats, a belt for wrist wraps and bench presses, and just a belt for her deadlifts.
In an Instagram post recapping the performance, Buttner wrote that he also captured a Canadian record raw squat by lifting 209 kilograms (460.7 pounds).
However, according to Open Powerlifting, Daniel Philibert actually holds the Canadian raw squat record by lifting 210 kilograms (462.9 kilograms). The athlete achieved that mark at the 2021 CPU Port City Showdown. Büttner has squatted the most on a sanctioned lifting platform, successfully lifting 210 kilograms at the International 2022 Fédération Franchise de Force (FFFORCE) Girl Power.
In total, Buttner completed all eight lifts she attempted at the 2023 CPU Nationals. Once a competitor broke the Canadian raw deadlift record, she pulled out a final attempt to potentially extend her mark.
Nevertheless, setting the standard with two national records in the new weight class remains impressive for Buttner, especially since it was the athlete’s first appearance in the 84-kilogram category since 2019. Here’s a full overview of their top output at the 2023 CPU Nationals:
Jessica Buttner (84KG) | 2023 CPU National Championships Top Raw Lifts
- Squat – 209 kilograms (460.7 pounds)
- Bench press – 100 kilograms (220.5 pounds)
- Deadlift – 250 kilograms (551.2 pounds) | National Record of Canada
- Total – 559 kilograms (1,232.4 pounds) | National Record of Canada
In his Instagram post, Buttner wrote that his next competition will be the 2023 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships. The athlete will return to the 76-kilogram weight category for the event on March 25, 2023 in Sheffield, England.
Buttner’s first-place showing at the 2023 CPU Nationals will earn him automatic qualification for the 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships. Potentially in the 76-kilogram category, the competition will see Buttner try to make it three consecutive IPF Open World titles.
Featured Image: @djessicabuettner on Instagram