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...
The 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals lasted for a total of four days in the middle of September 2023. So, all weight classes got the stage for themselves at some point, but none was more exciting than the 110-kilogram one. Firstly, the 110-kilogram weight class featured both Ashton Rouskaand Bobb Matthews, two men widely recognized as some of USAPL’s greatest athletes. With the first-place podium spot only having room for one man, Ashton dug deep and found strength to outperform his rival. In the process of doing so, Ashton also set new Squat and Total All-Time Drug-Tested World Records.
Competing at the Raw Nationals, Ashton Rouska was only allowed to use knee sleeves, a lifting belt, and wrist wraps for the squat event. However, he did not need any additional accessories, as his brute strength and perfect technique allowed him to put up a mind-blowing squat of 380.5 kilograms (838.9 pounds). So, this now sits as a new U110KG All-Time Drug-Tested World Record
The record that Ashton Rosuka claimed at the 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals has been untouched for nearly two decades, as it previously belonged to Kirk Karwoski. Kirk squatted 375 kilograms (826.7 pounds) at the 2004 AAU World Championships to set it, but it has now been broken by over 5 kilograms (11 pounds).
Ashton Rouska’s bodyweight at the time of the 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals came out to 105.81 kilograms (233.3 pounds). So, he could have come in with another 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) of bodyweight and still competed in the 110-kilogram weight class.
Squat
335 kilograms (738.5 pounds pounds)
371 kilograms (818.9 pounds)
380.5 kilograms (838.9 pounds) — U110KG All-Time Drug-Tested World Record
“Excellent execution and attempt selection. We took a low end 3rd attempt to save the back for deadlift, which paid off. Had a little room left here on the day,” wrote Rouska on Instagram.
Bench Press
205 kilograms (451.9 pounds)
215 kilograms (474 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 220 kilograms (485 pounds)
“I know for a fact I underperformed here (Bench Press) and I’ll leave it at that.”
Deadlift
325 kilograms (716.5 pounds)
372.5 kilograms (821.2 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 388.5 kilograms (856.5 pounds)
“Intent was to pull conventional but my back was in considerable pain after squats, so we opted to pull sumo halfway through warm-ups.”
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Total — 968 kilograms (2,134.1 pounds) — U110KG All-Time Drug-Tested World Record
*Ashton Rouska held the previous All-Time Drug-Tested Raw Total World Record of 960.5 kilograms (2,117.5 pounds). He set that record at the 2023 USAPL Arnold Pro Series Finals.
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Ashton Rouska has stated that this was the fiercest competition he has ever taken part in and believes that this will motivate him to become even better. His goal is to Total over 1,000 kilograms (2,204.6 pounds), and while there is still a long way to go, Ashton is definitely a man who can achieve it. If he had a bit more luck with his final attempts at the 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals, he would have been on the verge of achieving this. But there is always next time.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about this news, please leave a comment below, and Vedad will get back to you as soon as possible.
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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.
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