The 2022 Arnold Sports Festival featured a powerlifting competition, which was sanctioned by USAPL. We also got to see one of the greatest powerlifters in the world, Ashton Rouska, as he took part in the competition and dominated the field. He also claimed a new raw Squat American Record of 370 kg (815.7 lbs) in the 105 kg weight class.
Ashton Rouska also owned the previous record, having squatted 367.5 kg (810.2 lbs) at the 2021 USAPL Virginia Pro. This time he improved the record by only 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), but there is no doubt that he will push the boundaries even further.
Ashton’s opener was set to 325 kg (716.5 lbs), which he did with ease. Following that, Ashton made a huge jump in weight and squatted 355 kg (782.6 lbs) on his second attempt. His last attempt was the 370 kg (815.7 lbs) American Record squat, which gave him some momentum for the rest of the competition. Ashton’s record is also raw, as he only used a lifting belt and knee sleeves.
You can watch the lift here:
“Squats – these felt solid! 815 felt terrific. Not much to say… You haven’t seen anything yet!”
Related: Powerlifter Ashton Rouska Squat 370 kg (815 lbs) 2 Weeks From 2022 Arnold Sports Festival
Ashton Rouska’s Full Results
Squat
- 325 kg (716.5 lbs)
- 355 kg (782.6 lbs)
- 370 kg (815.7 lbs) American Record in the 105kg weight class
Bench Press
- 195 kg (429.9 lbs)
- 205 kg (451.9 lbs)
- 210 kg (463 lbs) Unsuccessful
Ashton explained he had some elbow issues and could not lock out 210 kg. However, he got some data on the movement and will come back even better.
- 355 kg (782.6 lbs)
- 380 kg (837.8 lbs)
- Did not attempt
Total: 955 kg (2105.4 lbs)
Despite being able to break the American Total record as well, Ashton decided not to attempt heavier weight on the third deadlift. He is being smart, and wants to wait for his next competition.
Related: Ashton Rouska Breezes Through Massive 805lb Deadlift
Ashton Rouska’s Career
Ashton extends his winning streak after winning the 2022 Arnold Sports Festival powerlifting competition. He has won 12 competitions in a row, and it doesn’t look like he will lose soon. Ashton is only 24-years-old and has already taken part in 35+ competitions, winning most of them. His greatest achievements are winning the 2014 World Sub-Juniors & Juniors Powerlifting Championships and becoming a 5x USAPL Raw National Champion.
Ashton is definitely one of the greatest fully tested powerlifters in the world. Furthermore, he is still continuing to improve, and it will be fun to see if he can get to a 1000 kg (2204.6 lbs) total at some point in his career. He would have to improve all of his lifts, but they currently look like this:
- Squat: 370 kg (815.7 lbs) (2022 Arnold Sports Festival Grand Prix)
- Bench Press: 210 kg (463 lbs) (2021 USAPL Virginia Pro)
- Deadlift: 383 kg (844.4 lbs) (2020 USAPL Virginia Winter Wrecker)
- Total: 955 kg (2105.4 lbs) (2021 USAPL Virginia Pro)
Related: Ashton Rouska Sets A Mind Numbing 2100lbs Total At 2021 USAPL NATIONALS
Ashton Rouska just finished a competition, but he will immediately start the preparation for the 2022 USAPL Raw Nationals, scheduled for June 6-12, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV. It seems like he really wants to put up a brilliant performance there, and maybe we could see him further improve the 370 kg (815.7 lbs) American Squat Record.
