Jesus Olivares - Image credit @powerlifting_america Instagram
Over the past few months, a majority of IPF athletes have shared footage of their preparation for the 2023 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships. Thus, the hype surrounding the competition grew rapidly, and fans began anticipating it eagerly. The action which took place on March 25-26 has undoubtedly met all expectations and perhaps even exceeded them. The crucial part of this was Jesus Olivares, who truly put up one of the greatest performances in the history of powerlifting. He set a new IPF World Record in both the Total and Deadlift events.
Jesus Olivares competed in the +120-kilogram weight class and easily emerged as the champion. He was successful in all nine of his attempts at the competition, but the most notable one was his final deadlift attempt. He loaded 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) and managed to lock it out for a brand new raw IPF World Record. He broke the longstanding record of Ray Williams, who deadlifted 398.5 kilograms (878.5 pounds) at the 2018 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
In addition, with his massive deadlift, Jesus Olivares also set a new IPF Total World Record of 1,152.5 kilograms (2,540.8 pounds). This record was also in the possession of the legendary Ray Williams, as his Total at the 2017 NAPF Arnold Slingshot Pro American came out to 1,105 kilograms (2,436.1 pounds).
Having set new World Records and claimed victory in his weight class, Jesus Olivares went home with $36,681 of the prize money in his pocket. In addition, Jesus qualified for the 2023 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
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Not only did Jesus Olivares set two new World Records, but he also scored competition PRs in both of the remaining events. His raw squat came out to 470 kilograms (1,036.1 pounds), making it one of the heaviest in history. In addition, he locked out a 272.5-kilogram (600.7-pound) bench press for the first time in a sanctioned powerlifting competition.
Squat
425 kilograms (936.9 pounds)
455 kilograms (1,003.1 pounds)
470 kilograms (1,036.1 pounds) — Competition PR
Bench Press
250 kilograms (551.1 pounds)
265 kilograms (584.2 pounds)
272.5 kilograms (600.7 pounds) — Competition PR
Deadlift
370 kilograms (815.7 pounds)
399 kilograms (879.6 pounds)
410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) — IPF World Record & Competition PR
Total — 1,152.5 kilograms (2,540.8 pounds) — IPF World Record & Competition PR
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Jesus Olivares finally placed his name in the IPF record books and managed to do it in an incredible manner. Some fans and enthusiasts have already proclaimed his recent performance as the greatest in the history of powerlifting. This is especially impressive considering that Jesus is only 24-years-old. His eyes are also set on the Squat World Record, which now seems to be very possible.
If you have questions or need clarifications, please leave a comment below, and Vedad will respond promptly.
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.