The 2025 AMP (Powerlifting America) Classic Open Nationals took place on April 3-6 in Atlanta, GA. It gathered dozens of USA’s greatest powerlifters in each division, with Heather Connor being one of the standout ones. The former World Champion came in prepared, dominating the 47-kilogram weight class to take the title. Moreover, she also achieved a new 205-kilogram (451.9-pound) raw deadlift for a new AMP American & Unofficial IPF World Record.
Heather Connor has showcased her deadlift abilities on a number of occasions throughout the years, which is why everyone was excited to watch her masterclass at the 2025 AMP Nationals. She opened up with a smooth pull at 187.5 kilograms (413.4 pounds), showing that she was coming for the record. It did not take long for Heather to advance toward her goal, as she loaded and lifted 197.5 kilograms (435.4 pounds) just minutes later.
That was not the end of the action, since Heather Connor confidently attempted a staggering 205-kilogram (451.9-pound) deadlift on her final attempt. Her walkout indicated that she was very confident in achieving the lift, and her flawless execution validated it. Heather made easy work of the lift, utilizing a sumo stance and a mixed grip. Overall, the belief was that she definitely had a lot more left in the tank.
Note: Heather Connor’s lift was an official AMP American Record. However, it was an Unofficial IPF World Record, since she performed it at a national-level competition.
*For reference, Heather Connor also holds the Official U47KG IPF World Record of 200-kg (440.9-lb), which she set at the 2023 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
Watch the lift here:
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Heather Connor’s Full Performance
Heather Connor has been battling medical issues in 2024, but her comeback this year is already proving to be spectacular. She had a perfect outing at the 2025 AMP Nationals, successfully completing all nine of her attempts and achieving her goal. In turn, she walked away with some new PBs, a gold medal, and some new records.
“It was never a matter of IF I could do it again, but WHEN I was going to do it again,” wrote Heather on Instagram.
Squat
- 135 kilograms (297.6 pounds)
- 140 kilograms (308.6 pounds)
- 145 kilograms (319.7 pounds) — Personal Record
Bench Press
- 67.5 kilograms (148.8 pounds)
- 72.5 kilograms (159.8 pounds)
- 75 kilograms (165.3 pounds)
Deadlift
- 187.5 kilograms (413.4 pounds)
- 197.5 kilograms (435.4 pounds)
- 205 kilograms (451.9 pounds) — U47KG AMP American Record & Unofficial IPF World Record
Total — 425 kilograms (937 pounds) — Personal Record
Watch all of the lifts here:
Heather Connor has taken part in a total of 30 sanctioned powerlifting competitions over the course of her career, winning 19 in total. She has been the IPF World Champion twice, standing atop the podium in 2017 and 2019. In addition to that, Heather has also set a number of World and National records across the years.
With her win at the 2025 AMP Classic Nationals, Heather Connor has secured her ticket for the 2025 IPF World Championships. This will mark her return to the highest stage after two years, and it is clear that Heather is looking to reclaim her throne once again. It won’t be an easy task, but Heather is on a journey to build her strongest form.
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