The 2022 USAPL Mega Nationals are approaching fast, as they will take place from June 7-12, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Widely considered one of the greatest powerlifting competitions in the USA, the Mega Nationals will gather the majority of the country’s strongest athletes. One of those will be Claire Zai.
As a result of her hard work and dedication, Claire Zai is already seeing significant improvements. Recently, Claire shared one of her latest all-time personal records on Instagram. Claire’s video shows off an incredible feat of strength as she records a 185-kilogram (407-pound) squat PR.
It is worth noting that Claire Zai did this massive squat raw. She used a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps to aid her in the lift. It is also important to note that Claire did not struggle too much while squatting 185 kilograms (407 pounds).
You can watch the lift here:
Related: Powerlifter Serena Abweh Scores a 335-lb (152-kg) Raw Deadlift Double PR
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Claire Zai has not specified her bodyweight at the time of the lift, but she weighed in at 67.2 kilograms (148.2 pounds) at the 2022 USAPL Arnold A7 Grand Prix three months ago. If she comes in at the same bodyweight to the Mega Nationals, then it is very possible that Claire could score a new USAPL Record. Meghan Scanlon currently holds the record in the 67.5-kilogram weight class, as she squatted 187.5 kilograms (413.3 pounds) at the 2019 USAPL Arnold SBD Grand Prix.
Claire Zai At A Glance
The 27-year-old Claire Zai is just stepping into her prime years. The proof of this are her recent incredible performances in training, as Claire is displaying immense strength in all of her lifts. She is a complete powerlifter, which is why she is so successful in the sport. Since taking up powerlifting professionally four years ago, Claire Zai has competed in ten sanctioned competitions and won five of them.
Claire Zai’s Greatest Performances
- 2021 USAPL Against All Odds — First-place
- 2020 NAPF Arnold SBD Pro American — First-place
- 2019 USAPL California State Championships — First-place
Claire Zai’s Raw Competition PRs
- Squat: 182.5 kilograms (402.3 pounds) — (2021 USAPL Against All Odds)
- Bench Press: 120 kilograms (264.5 pounds) — (2021 USAPL Against All Odds)
- Deadlift: 207.5 kilograms (457.4 pounds) — (2022 USAPL Arnold A7 Grand Prix)
- Total: 507.5 kilograms (1,118.8 pounds) — (2021 USAPL Against All Odds)
Related: Powerlifter Tiffany Chapon Squats 166-kg (366-lb), 13-kg (28.7-lb) Over The IPF Raw World Record
Considering that Claire Zai’s recent squat PR is just 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) lighter than the USAPL Record, it won’t be surprising to see her break it. Claire comfortably squatted 187.5 kilograms, so a bit more weight will probably not stop her.
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