Jessica Espinal Junior Deadlift World Record - Image credit @theipf Instagram
Jessica Espinal is one of the most notable young prodigies that are competing at the 2024 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, which are taking place on June 15-23, in Druskininkai, Lithuania. The young US representative is still a Junior athlete, but is capable of competing in the open-aged division of the 47-kilogram weight class. Not only that, during her appearance, Jessica also managed to set a new 177.5-kilogram (391.3-pound) IPF Raw Deadlift Junior World Record.
Jessica Espinal’s first deadlift attempt was at 167.5 kilograms (369.3 pounds), and it looked as easy as everyone would expect from an opener. So, for her second attempt, Jessica loaded another 10 kilograms (22 pounds) onto the bar for a total weight of 177.5 kilograms (391.3 pounds).
Jessica Espinal used a technique combination of sumo stance and a mixed grip to perform her 177.5-kilogram (391.3-pound) deadlift, which worked like a charm. So, with this lift, she gained possession of the U47KG IPF Junior World Record.
Tempted by the potential gold medal overall, Jessica Espinal loaded 197.5 kilograms (435.4 pounds) for her final attempt at the competition. Unfortunately, this proved to be too difficult of a task for her on the day, since she barely managed to get the bar off the floor.
*Jessica Espinal also held the previous U47KG IPF Junior World Record of 175-kg (385.8-lb) which she set at the 2023 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
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Jessica Espinal displayed impressive improvements in certain aspects, but also missed two attempts on the bench press, which might have cost her the title. However, she still secured a very valuable silver medal, placing just behind Tiffany Chapon.
Squat
132.5 kilograms (292.1 pounds)
140 kilograms (308.6 pounds)
147.5 kilograms (325.2 pounds) — Competition PR
Bench Press
90 kilograms (198.4 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 95 kilograms (209.4 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 95 kilograms (209.4 pounds)
Deadlift
167.5 kilograms (369.3 pounds)
177.5 kilograms (391.3 pounds) — U47KG Raw IPF Junior World Record
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Despite her young age, Jessica Espinal already has an extensive history of competing, as she started doing powerlifting at just 16-years-old. Namely, she has already taken part in 24 sanctioned powerlifting competitions and won 19 of them. Moreover, she has broken IPF Junior World Records on multiple occasions, and her record-breaking streak does not seem like it will stop anytime soon. Jessica is still hoping to become a World Champion one day, as she has placed second for two years in a row.
If you have questions or need clarifications, please leave a comment below, and Vedad will respond promptly.
Vedad is a journalist specializing in strength sports, with three years of experience covering powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, strongman, armwrestling and bodybuilding. He is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, passionate about all aspects of strength training. Vedad's in-depth knowledge of training methodologies and dedication to constant research fuel his insightful and engaging reporting. He works hard to deliver accurate content while continuously seeking to improve his craft.