Austin Perkins Squat World Record - Image credit @the75kg Instagram
Austin Perkins has opened up his 2024 season with a bang, having managed to set a 318-kilogram (701.1-pound) Raw Squat All-Time World Record in the U75KG weight class. He achieved the incredible lift at the 2024 AMP (Powerlifting America) Classic Open Nationals, which took place on March 14-16, in Nevada.
Austin Perkins took the powerlifting scene by storm in 2023, having put up some incredible results, matching even the best athletes from divisions much heavier than his. So, with a lot of hype building up around him, Austin knew that he needed to put out something big at the 2024 AMP Classic Open Nationals and did so on the first event of the competition.
After successfully completing his first two attempts, Austin Perkins decided to load the record-breaking 318 kilograms (701.1 pounds) for his final squat. Then, he walked out on the platform with nothing but a lifting belt and a pair of knee sleeves, ready to accomplish the goal he set coming into the competition. Sure enough, Austin crushed the lift with such speed that it sparked questions if he was capable of even more.
“Came into this one with only 2 goals. Hit a 700lb squat and make a statement. We accomplished both so all in all it was a great day” wrote Austin Perkins on Instagram.
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Austin Perkins’ 2024 AMP Classic Open Nationals Performance Overview
Austin Perkins spent the last couple of years competing in the USAPL, but decided to switch over to the IPF recently. So, since Powerlifting America (AMP) is the IPF associate for the US, this was his first competition in the new environment.
However, Austin Perkins accommodated very quickly, as he dominated his weight class and secured his spot for the 2024 IPF World Championships later this year. To make it even more impressive, Austin scratched his final attempts on the bench and deadlift, deciding not to go all out. So, he made it clear that he can push his total even higher if that is needed.
“We have everything figured out from the program and gut cut. We will be ready to fight in Lithuania and will be able to total 850kg+ if needed.”
Apart from the U75KG All-Time World Record Squat, Austin Perkins also unofficially broke the IPF Squat and Total World Records in the federation’s U74KG weight class.
Squat
292.5 kilograms (644.9 pounds)
308 kilograms (679 pounds)
318 kilograms (701.1 pounds) — U75KG All-Time World Record & U74KG Unofficial IPF World Record
Bench Press
185 kilograms (407.9 pounds)
195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
Did Not Attempt
Deadlift
307.5 kilograms (677.9 pounds)
326 kilograms (718.7 pounds)
Did Not Attempt
Total — 839 kilograms (1,849.7 pounds) — U74KG Unofficial IPF World Record
Interestingly, Austin Perkins managed to lift 24 kilograms (52.9 pounds) over the current U74KG IPF World Record Total, which Kjell Egil Bakkelund set just a few days ago at the 2024 IPF Arnold UK. So, it just seems to be a matter of time before Austin competes in an International competition and takes over the record.
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
The trajectory of Austin Perkins’ career in the past few years is nothing short of remarkable. Back in 2020, while he was performing some squats, Austin got injured and had to get surgery for a hernia. Although the recovery and training after that could have been an impossible task for many, Austin needed just a few years before he became even better than before.
Now, Austin Perkins boasts an impressive resume of 26 sanctioned powerlifting appearances and 18 victories. Along with a few World Records and his performance at the 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals, which is considered by many to be the greatest in history, Austin is definitely one of the biggest powerlifters in the sport currently.
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.
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