The 2025 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships kicked off on June 8th in Chemnitz, Germany. The women’s 47-kilogram weight class was the first to hit the competition floor. It immediately proved that it is one of the most interesting divisions, largely due to Heather Connor. She set a new Raw Deadlift and Total World Record to take back the title.
Heather Connor is best known for her deadlift ability, which often allows her to lift loads that are in excess of 4x her bodyweight. This was the case at the 2025 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships as well. So, Heather’s opener lift came out to 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds).
It did not take long for Heather Connor to break into the two hundreds, pulling 205 kilograms (951.9 pounds) on her second attempt. It moved with speed, giving Heather confidence to make a massive jump for her final attempt.
Having watched Tiffany Chapon fail her final attempt, Heather Connor knew that she had to load a 212.5-kilogram (468.5-pound) deadlift if she wanted to win the competition. She performed the lift with a sumo stance and a mixed grip, managing to lock it out after some significant struggle. While it did secure her the title, it also marked a new U47KG IPF World Record.
*Heather Connor also held the previous U47KG IPF Deadlift World Record of 200-kg (440.9-lb). She set the record at the 2023 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
Watch the lift here:
Heather Connor’s Full Performance
Heather Connor had a near-perfect performance at the 2025 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships, having missed just one attempt on the bench press. So, she put her all into the competition and walked away with her third World Champion title. Heather also set new competition PRs in all events apart from the bench press. With everything combined, Heather managed to set a new U47KG IPF World Record Total.
Squat
- 135 kilograms (297.6 pounds)
- 142.5 kilograms (314.2 pounds)
- 147.5 kilograms (325.2 pounds) — Competition PR
Bench Press
- 70 kilograms (154.3 pounds)
- 75 kilograms (165.3 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 77.5 kilograms (170.9 pounds)
Deadlift
- 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
- 205 kilograms (951.9 pounds)
- 212.5 kilograms (468.5 pounds) — U47KG IPF World Record
Total — 435 kilograms (959 pounds) — U47KG IPF World Record
*Jessica Espinal held the previous U47KG IPF Total World Record of 433.5-kg (955.7-lb). She set the record at the 2024 IPF World Junior and Sub-Juniors Powerlifting Championships.
Heather Connor has taken part in 31 sanctioned powerlifting competitions and won 20 of them. She won the IPF World Championships back in 2017 and 2019. She has since stood on multiple podiums but always came just short of the win at the IPF World’s stage. That was until this year, as Heather is officially back on the throne again.
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