Jesus Olivares - Image Credit @mega.gojira
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When it comes to building strength and developing a strong, muscular physique, few exercises can compare to the squat. This compound exercise is a cornerstone of many strength training programs and is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and effective movements for building lower body strength and power. That is why the powerlifters who excel in this exercise garner a lot of praise, and among the elite powerlifters, there is no athlete that is more synonymous with the squat than Jesus Olivares. He is a two-time IPF World Champion and is on track to secure his third consecutive title this year. Recently, Jesus left the powerlifting community in awe when he managed to squat an incredible 465 kilograms (1,025.1 pounds) in his recent training session. Although he did not distinctly state that it was his all-time PR, this lift is heavier than his greatest competition squat.
Furthermore, what makes Jesus Olivares’ squat even more impressive is the fact that he performed it raw, which means that he only used a lifting belt and knee sleeves to complete the lift. In the video footage of his recent training session, Jesus can be seen taking his time to set up for the squat. With his brother standing behind him as a spotter, he took a deep breath and lowered himself down to competition standard. As he ascended back up, the weight of the barbell became increasingly apparent. Jesus struggled to maintain his form, but pushed through the resistance and managed to lock out the weight.
Jesus Olivares is currently preparing for the 2023 SBD Sheffield — Classic Powerlifting competition, which will take place on March 25-26. With over a month still left until the competition, Jesus can still make more progress and get closer to the All-Time Squat World Record. That record currently stands at 490 kilograms (1,080.3 pounds) which Ray Williams set at the 2019 USAPL Arnold SBD Pro American.
Apart from the World Record, Jezza Uepa is the only other person who has officially squatted more than Jesus recently did, having lifted 470 kilograms (1,036.1 pounds) at the 2017 PA Brisbane Open. So, if Jesus manages to repeat his lift at the upcoming competition, he will be amongst the three greatest squatters in the history of powerlifting.
Jesus Olivares has taken part in 19 sanctioned competitions so far, winning ten of those. Having not even reached his mid-twenties, Jesus is still a very young athlete with much to look forward to. So, despite not holding any World Records in the open-age class just yet, it seems like he will definitely get his hands on some in the future.
Jesus Olivares’ Competition PRs
Squat: 450 kilograms (992 pounds) — (2022 AMP Classic Open Nationals Presented by SBD)
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Jesus Olivares came very close to setting the IPF Total World Record in his last appearance. So, he might succeed in achieving that goal at the 2023 SBD Sheffield — Powerlifting Championships. His recent squat is proof that he has improved, which might prove to be enough. To break the record, Jesus will have to total over 1,105 kilograms (2,436.1 pounds) across squat, bench, and deadlift events.
This news is written by Vedad Tabakovic, a journalist with three years of experience in covering Strength Sports. He aims to deliver accurate and engaging content.
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Vedad is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, who is especially passionate about all things Strength related. Vedad loves to write about strength sports just as much as he likes to train. Worked hard to gain his knowledge, but is still in a constant chase for improvement.
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