While the Open division of Strongman is most developed currently, the lighter weight classes are constantly improving and attracting progressively more fans. One particular weight class is the U90KG, as it features phenomenal athletes, with one of the biggest names being Dan Benson. Dan is undoubtedly one of the pound-for-pound strongest men on earth, particularly after his most recent accomplishment. He took part in the 2023 Blackpool’s Strongest Man competition on August 26-27, where he locked out a humongous 401.5-kilogram (885.2-pound) deadlift. With this lift, Dan set a brand new U90KG World Record.
Dan Benson posted a video of himself breaking the deadlift record on Instagram. He can be seen doing the record-breaking deadlift while wearing a deadlift suit, a lifting belt, and figure eight lifting straps. Dan then began the lift after getting comfortable with his conventional stance position.
Dan Benson first pulled the 401.5 kilograms (885.2 pounds) up to his knees, after which he began utilizing the hitching motion, which is allowed in Strongman. As a result, he was able to lock out the new U90KG World Record, sending him and the crowd into utter jubilation.
With this new World Record, Dan Benson became the first man in the Strongman under 90-kilogram weight class to reach the 400-kilogram (881.8-pound) milestone. Moreover, the weight of Dan’s deadlift was around 4.5x heavier than his bodyweight.
“It was inevitable. Keeping my Crown!”
Watch Dan Benson’s deadlift here:
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It seems that Dan Benson did not compete in the full 2023 Blackpool’s Strongest Man competition, but instead came to break the World Record since it has been a goal of his for a while. However, he has been very active in the past few months, having taken part in some major competitions.
Dan Benson recently competed at the 2023 Kaos Classic, which took place on July 23rd. With this being the inaugural edition of the show, it featured 23 U90KG Strongman athletes, all hoping to claim the first and potentially historic title. However, Dan Benson left no room for doubt, as he dominated the competition, finishing over 15 points ahead of the second-place finisher and winning the show with ease.
Just three weeks later, Dan Benson also took part in the 2023 OSG European Championships, where he also managed to win the U90KG weight class. This basically made him the champion of Europe, and boosted his confidence for the recent deadlift world record.
Dan Benson also claimed a respectable sixth-place finish at the 2022 U90KG World’s Strongest Man, but he hopes for a much better finish later this year. Judging by his 401.5-kilogram (885.2-pound) deadlift, Dan is definitely one of the main contenders for the title.
Related: Strongwoman Victoria Long Deadlifts 297-kg (654.8-lb) at 2023 Kaos Classic Record Breakers
Dan Benson’s new 401.5-kilogram (885.2-pound) deadlift U90KG World Record was recognized by numerous icons of Strongman, including the Open World Record holder, Hafthor Bjornsson. So, it is clear that Dan’s achievement is absolutely mind-blowing, and proves that he is arguably the greatest lightweight Strongman in the world.