The 2023 WRPF American Pro 2 has been one of the most successful powerlifting competitions of the year, and it took place on October 27-29, in Manassas, VA. Multiple records were broken, with Jawon Bethea Garrison being one of the athletes who walked away with new ones. He took part in the raw 82.5-kilogram weight class, where he set a 915.5-kilogram (2,018.3-pound) Total All-Time World Record.
In addition, Jawon Bethea Garrison also set a new All-Time Raw Squat World Record. He did so by squatting 353 kilograms (778.2 pounds) on his final attempt, where he only used a lifting belt and knee sleeves, meaning that it was raw by powerlifting regulations.
Jawon Bethea Garrison also held the previous U82.5KG All-Time Squat World Record of 345.5 kilograms (761.7 pounds). However, now, after further improving the record significantly, Jawon is ready to move up to the 90-kilogram weight class. So, the new 353-kilogram (778.2-pound) squat record will likely remain untouched for a long time.
“This was my last meet at 181 regardless of outcome, ya boi dun got too big … 90kg is next and we will only get better , stronger , smarter .. it will be a new hunger , same beast , different day .”
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Jawon Bethea Garrison put up an incredible performance overall, missing only one squat and one deadlift attempt. He also walked away with new Competition PRs in all events apart from the bench press.
Squat
Unsuccessful — 330 kilograms (727.5 pounds)
348 kilograms (767.2 pounds)
353 kilograms (778.2 pounds) — U82.5KG All-Time World Record
Bench Press
220 kilograms (485 pounds)
227.5 kilograms (501.6 pounds)
230 kilograms (507.1 pounds)
Deadlift
317.5 kilograms (700 pounds)
332.5 kilograms (733 pounds) — Competition PR
Unsuccessful — 340 kilograms (749.6 pounds)
Total — 915.5 kilograms (2,018.3 pounds) — U82.5KG All-Time World Record
The previous Total World Record holder was Blake Lehew, who accumulated 915 kilograms (2,017.2 pounds) at the 2022 WRPF PPC Finals.
“I dont know where to start.. honestly.. this has been a dream of mine for 6 years now”
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Jawon Bethea Garrison has taken part in 19 sanctioned powerlifting competitions during his career so far. Out of those, he has claimed 17 victories, which makes for an extremely impressive win percentage. His plans now shift towards gaining weight and competing in the heavier weight class, where more potential World Records wait for him.
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.