Nabil French Phenom - Image credit @nabil__lahlou Instagram
The 2023 WRPF American Pro 2 is proving to be quite a record-breaking frenzy. This prestigious competition is held in Manassas, VA, from October 27-29. During these three days, numerous elite powerlifters got the chance to showcase their strength. Nabil Lahlou made the most of his time on the platform, having dominated the raw 67.5-kilogram weight class. Moreover, Nabil showed why he is called ‘The French Phenom’ by setting a 325-kilogram (716.5-pound) Deadlift All-Time World Record.
Due to competing in the raw division, Nabil Lahlou was only allowed to use a lifting belt and some chalk. That was all he needed, as the power that he was able to generate from a sumo stance turned out to be enough for a 325-kilogram (716.5-pound) deadlift. The grip can also be a problem at these kinds of humongous lifts, but Nabil perfected the “hook grip” technique and had no trouble with it.
Daniel Clements held the U67.5KG Raw Deadlift All-Time World Record, but not for long. He set it by pulling 323 kilograms (712.1 pounds) at the 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals. Less than two months have passed since, but Nabil has already reclaimed the record.
Nabil Lahlou described his preparation and performance at the 2023 WRPF American Pro 2 as “the hardest challenge” he ever faced. In order to compete in the 67.5-kilogram weight class, Nabil had to cut 12.5 kilograms (28 pounds) of his bodyweight. So, it is miraculous that he managed to retain as much strength as he did throughout the entire process.
Nabil Lahlou only had four successful lifts out of the nine attempts that he made. So, he missed one squat, two bench presses, and two deadlift attempts. As a matter of fact, Nabil Lahlou broke the deadlift record with the final attempt he made. Regardless, the only thing important to him is that the record is now his.
Squat
232.5 kilograms (512.6 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 245 kilograms (540.1 pounds)
245 kilograms (540.1 pounds)
Bench Press
133 kilograms (293.2 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 137.5 kilograms (303.1 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 137.5 kilograms (303.1 pounds)
Deadlift
Unsuccessful — 325 kilograms (716.5 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 325 kilograms (716.5 pounds)
325 kilograms (716.5 pounds) — U67.5KG All-Time World Record
Drug Tested PWRBLD Gym March Madness Powerlifting Meet
Juniors 20-23
1366.9
483.62
Location
USA-PA
Competition
Drug Tested PWRBLD Gym March Madness Powerlifting Meet
Division
Juniors 20-23
Age
21
Equipment
Raw
Class
148.8
Weight
146.4
Squat
435.4
463
485
485
Bench
237
253.5
-259
253.5
Deadlift
589.7
-628.3
628.3
628.3
GLP
96.34
1
USPA
2020-11-14
Drug Tested NOVA Fall Classic
Juniors 20-23
1245.6
439.27
Location
USA-VA
Competition
Drug Tested NOVA Fall Classic
Division
Juniors 20-23
Age
21
Equipment
Raw
Class
148.8
Weight
147
Squat
396.8
-413.4
424.4
424.4
Bench
226
-248
-253.5
226
Deadlift
573.2
595.2
-622.8
595.2
GLP
87.58
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Nabil Lahlou now has exactly 20 sanctioned powerlifting appearances to his name, 16 of which saw him take gold. He has also set All-Time World Records on five separate occasions, proving that he is an athlete of the highest level. His new deadlift record of 325 kilograms (716.5 pounds) came out to 4.83x his bodyweight, which is an absolutely mind-blowing ratio.
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