Austin Perkins was the main powerlifting figure in the USAPL, but recently decided to go international by joining the IPF. He has now made his debut under this federation at the 2024 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, which are taking place on June 15-23, in Druskininkai, Lithuania. Austin competed in the 74-kilogram weight class, where he set a new U74KG Raw IPF World Records in the Squat and Total events.
Austin Perkins’ performance started off with a bang, as his first attempt on the squats of 290 kilograms (639.3 pounds) was already over the World Record. However, that was routine work for Austin, who set his goals much higher.
For his second attempt, Austin Perkins crushed a 305-kilogram (672.4-pound) squat. Therefore, he pushed the World Record even further and became the first U74KG IPF lifter to squat over 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds) raw.
That was not all, since Austin Perkins used his third attempt to squat 311 kilograms (685.6 pounds) and finalize the record-breaking spree for the time being. It was extremely close to his limits, as seen by his grind during the middle portion of his lift. However, he ended up breaking the record by a 22.5-kilogram (49.6-pound) margin and had an incredible start to the competition.
*Timothy Monitatti held the old U74KG Raw Squat IPF World Record of 288.5-kg (636-lb), which he set at the 2024 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships.
Watch the lift here:
Austin Perkins’ Full Performance
Austin Perkins had a perfect outing at the 2024 IPF World Championships, successfully completing all nine of his attempts. In turn, he secured an 836-kilogram (1,843.1-pound) Raw Total, which was also a new U74KG IPF World Record.
Moreover, Austin secured a gold medal in his debut at the competition. The second place went to Kjell Egil Bakkelund, the man who held the previous Total World Record.
Squat
- 290 kilograms (639.3 pounds)
- 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds)
- 311 kilograms (685.6 pounds) — U74KG IPF World Record
Bench Press
- 187.5 kilograms (413.4 pounds)
- 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
- 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
Deadlift
- 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds)
- 317.5 kilograms (700 pounds)
- 325 kilograms (716.5 pounds)
Total — 836 kilograms (1,843.1 pounds) — U74KG IPF World Record
*Kjell Egil Bakkelund held the previous U74KG Raw Total IPF World Record of 815-kg (1,796.8-lb), which he set at the 2024 IPF Arnold Sports Festival UK.
Austin Perkins’ Powerlifting History
Austin Perkins has taken part in 28 sanctioned powerlifting competitions so far and came out victorious in 19 of them. He recently appeared in the 2024 IPF Bench Press World Championships as well, but has just now made his debut in a full-power competition governed by the IPF.
Austin Perkins needed just minutes to prove that he is an incredible addition to the federation, as he set a World Record on his opening attempt. He then wrapped up the competition with yet another World Record, closing out an incredible day.
