The all-timer adds another notch to his legendary belt.
Powerlifter Ray Williams during the Powerlifting America (AMP) Classic Raw Nationals in Austin, TX, February 24-26, 2023. Captured his seventh career Raw National Championship In the +120-kilogram category. The title count is a mix of Williams’ various wins at USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Raw Nationals competitions (2013, 2015-2019) and this new AMP victory.
Williams wore a lifting belt, knee sleeves and wrist wraps for his top back squat, only a lifting belt for his top deadlift and only wrist wraps for his top bench press. The athlete’s performance may have been more impressive given that he finished victorious despite an apparent injury with limited details on nature and intensity.
At the time of this writing, it is unclear what Williams’ exact figures for each of his best lifts are. According to an Instagram post detailing his output, the contender is clear recorded a 1,000-kilogram (2,204.6-pound) amount.
Williams’ seventh Raw National title follows a long streak of accomplishments.
He is a five-time International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Champion (2014–2018) in the 120-kilogram weight class. According to this Open PowerliftingHe holds the all-time raw squat world record by lifting 490 kilograms (1,080.2 pounds) at the 2019 USAPL Arnold SBD Pro American.
Also, Williams’ name is written in the IPF record books. Those achievements are as follows:
Ray Williams (+120KG) | IPF Raw World Records
- Squat: 477.5 kilograms (1,052.7 pounds)
- Deadlift: 398.5 kilograms (878.5 pounds)
- Total: 1,105 kilograms (2,436.1 pounds)
Williams’ IPF Raw Squat World Record has stood for almost six years now. Still, it seems some of the younger phenom powerlifters may soon be hot on their tails.
If the last two years of his track record are any indication, the 2023 AMP Classic Raw Nationals will be Williams’ only competitive appearance of the year. If so, he certainly maximized his efforts.
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Featured Image: @powerlifting_america on Instagram