Richards enters record territory.
On February 24-26, 2023, during the Powerlifting America (AMP) Classic Open Nationals, powerlifter Natalie Richards broke new ground for her weight class. In a first-place national championship performance, Richards had a 501.2-kilogram (1,105-pound) raw total and First 57-kilogram powerlifter to break 500-kilogram barrier at AMP.
As part of his historic total, Richards recorded an all-time raw competition-best deadlift of 221.3 kilograms (488 pounds). Richards completed the pull from a sumo stance with a mixed grip. The athlete wore only a lifting belt for the deadlift, a belt and knee sleeves for her top squat, and wrist wraps for her bench press. The angle of the clip featuring Richards’ lifts makes it unclear whether or not the competitor was wearing a belt on his press.
The only major powerlifting organization with a 57-kilogram division is the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). According to its database, the IPF’s current raw all-time world record total in the 57-kilogram category is 495.5 kilograms (1,092.4 pounds). That mark is held by France’s Jade Jacob, who captured it at the 2022 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Classic Powerlifting Championships.
While Richards’ new total won’t officially surpass jade at the IPF level – because his feat didn’t occur under its jurisdiction – he remains the first 57-kilogram powerlifter to achieve at least 500 kilograms on a sanctioned lifting platform.
At the 2020 World Raw Powerlifting Federation Showdown, Marianna Gasparyan totaled 552.5 kilograms in 56 kilograms.
Here’s Richards’ best overview of Raw competition of all time:
Natalie Richards (57KG) | Best of Raw competition of all time
- Squat – 178.5 kilograms (393.5 pounds)
- Bench press – 107.5 kilograms (237 pounds)
- Deadlift – 221.5 kilograms (488.3 pounds)
- Total – 501.2 kilograms (1,105 pounds)
According to this Open Powerlifting, Richards’ victory at the 2023 AMP Classic Open Nationals extends his current winning streak to three consecutive events. Between occasional simultaneous junior and open competitions, the athlete has failed to finish first in two instances out of 12 career competitive appearances.
According to the caption of Richards’ post covering his 2023 AMP Nationals performance, the athlete will focus his training on preparing for the 2023 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships. The bout, scheduled for June 11-18, 2023 in Valletta, Malta, will serve as Richards’ IPF debut. If the athlete transfers his strength to tentpole competition, he will have a firm place in the IPF world record books this summer.
Featured Image: @kingofthelifts on Instagram
