The 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships were definitely a record-breaking event, with historic lifts being displayed on each day of the competition. One of those came from Natalie Laalaai, who was representing Australia in the raw +84-kilogram weight class. Despite the competitiveness of her weight class, Natalie emerged as the greatest deadlifter by a mile, but that was not surprising since she also set a new 268-kilogram (690.8-pound) Raw Deadlift IPF World Record.
The previous record stood at 257.5 kilograms (567.7 pounds) and was in possession of Sarah Brenner who set it at the 2019 NAPF Pan-American Powerlifting Championships. Sarah gracefully congratulated Natalie Laalaai on her achievement with a comment on Instagram.
“I’ve held that record since 2019, it’s yours now. Congrats on an amazing pull! 👑”
So, Natalie Laalaai broke the World Record on her first attempt at 258 kilograms (568.8 pounds) and had two more attempts to advance it. Natalie’s second deadlift of 268 kilograms (690.8 pounds) marked an improved World Record, but also turned out to be her max. She did try to lift 275 kilograms (607.4 pounds) on her third and final attempt, but was unsuccessful.
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Natalie Laalaai was unable to reach a podium spot, as her Total of 640.5 kilograms (1,412.1 pounds) was enough for a fifth-place finish. However, she did successfully complete eight out of her nine attempts, only missing her final deadlift. This resulted in some new Competition PRs and a World Record Deadlift.
Squat
232.5 kilograms (512.6 pounds)
242.5 kilograms (534.6 pounds)
250 kilograms (551.2 pounds) — Competition PR
Bench Press
115 kilograms (253.5 pounds)
120 kilograms (264.6 pounds)
122.5 kilograms (270.1 pounds) — Competition PR
Deadlift
258 kilograms (568.8 pounds)
268 kilograms (590.8 pounds) — +84KG IPF World Record
Unsuccessful — 275.5 kilograms (607.4 pounds)
Total — 640.5 kilograms (1,412.1 pounds) — Competition PR
The 2023 IPF World Championships were Natalie Laalaai’s first International powerlifting appearance ever, but she definitely made the most of it. She also took part in six more sanctioned competitions in Australia and secured five wins overall during her career.
Natalie Laalaai’s Competition History
Personal Bests
Equip
Squat
Bench
Deadlift
Total
Dots
Raw
551.2
270.1
551.2
1412.1
498.05
Wraps
573.2
242.5
573.2
1333.8
471.01
Competition Results
Place
Fed
Date
Competition
Division
Total
Dots
5
IPF
2023-06-11
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Open
1412.1
498.05
Location
Malta
Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Age
~27.5
Equipment
Raw
Class
185.2
Weight
304
Squat
512.6
534.6
551.2
551.2
Bench
253.5
264.6
270.1
270.1
Deadlift
568.8
590.8
-607.4
590.8
GLP
107.7
1
APU
2023-04-01
The Night of Champions
FR-O
1394.4
493.82
Location
Australia-WA
Competition
The Night of Champions
Division
FR-O
Age
~27.5
Equipment
Raw
Class
185.2
Weight
297
Squat
496
518.1
534.6
534.6
Bench
242.5
253.5
264.6
264.6
Deadlift
540.1
573.2
595.2
595.2
GLP
106.64
1
APU
2022-10-14
National Classic Open Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships
FR-O
1306.2
465.62
Location
Australia-QLD
Competition
National Classic Open Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships
Division
FR-O
Age
27
Equipment
Raw
Class
185.2
Weight
287.5
Squat
463
490.5
507.1
507.1
Bench
209.4
226
237
237
Deadlift
529.1
562.2
-595.2
562.2
GLP
100.31
1
APU
2022-05-01
WA State Classic and Equipped Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships
FR-O
1273.2
452.88
Location
Australia-WA
Competition
WA State Classic and Equipped Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships
Division
FR-O
Age
~26.5
Equipment
Raw
Class
185.2
Weight
290.3
Squat
463
485
-496
485
Bench
220.5
231.5
237
237
Deadlift
501.6
529.1
551.2
551.2
GLP
97.64
2
APU
2021-11-20
Legendary Open
FR-O
1008.6
354.91
Location
Australia-WA
Competition
Legendary Open
Division
FR-O
Age
26
Equipment
Raw
Class
185.2
Weight
308.9
Squat
308.6
352.7
396.8
396.8
Bench
154.3
176.4
192.9
192.9
Deadlift
-352.7
374.8
418.9
418.9
GLP
76.8
1
GPC-AUS
2020-09-05
WA State Powerlifting Championships
F-OR
1333.8
471.01
Location
Australia-WA
Competition
WA State Powerlifting Championships
Division
F-OR
Age
25
Equipment
Wraps
Class
242.5
Weight
301.8
Squat
529.1
-551.2
573.2
573.2
Bench
220.5
231.5
242.5
242.5
Deadlift
496
518.1
-540.1
518.1
1
GPC-AUS
2019-09-14
Perth Cup
F-OR
1190.5
424.75
Location
Australia-WA
Competition
Perth Cup
Division
F-OR
Age
24
Equipment
Wraps
Class
242.5
Weight
286.3
Squat
440.9
463
485
485
Bench
176.4
198.4
-220.5
198.4
Deadlift
440.9
485
507.1
507.1
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Natalie Laalaai revealed that she has never had as much fun as she did at the 2023 IPF World Championships. But she is also grateful that her two-year-old daughter was there to witness the World Record, as Natalie wants to be a great role model for her. So, having tasted success with a World Record Deadlift, Natalie will be more motivated than ever to continue making a name for herself in the sport.
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.
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