Natalie Richards rose onto the elite powerlifting scene a few months ago, having put up a Total heavier than 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds) for a new National Record. However, just a few months have passed since, and Natalie has already improved quite a bit. She displayed her new and improved shape at the 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships, which are taking place from June 11-18, in Valletta, Malta. Despite making her debut, Natalie accumulated a Total of 512.5 kilograms (1,129.9 pounds), setting a new IPF World Record and winning the 57-kilogram weight class.
The previous U57KG IPF World Record holder was Jade Jacob, as the French representative put up a Total of 503.5 kilograms (1,110 pounds) at the 2023 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships. She set this record just a few months ago and was thus the main favorite for the title at the 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships. However, Natalie Richards outperformed everyone with her impressive performance, including Jade Jacob, who ended up in second place.
Weighing in at 55.80 kilograms (123 pounds), Natalie Richards turned out to be one of the lightest athletes among almost 30 competitors in her weight class. Additionally, Natalie did not miss any of her nine attempts, which indicates that each lift was meticulously planned.
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Natalie Richards set new competition PRs in all events except the bench press. Moreover, her bench press was exactly equal to her competition PR which she set last year.
Squat
165 kilograms (363.8 pounds)
172.5 kilograms (380.3 pounds)
180 kilograms (396.8 pounds) — Competition PR
Bench Press
97.5 kilograms (215 pounds)
105 kilograms (231.5 pounds)
107.5 kilograms (237 pounds)
Deadlift
200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
215 kilograms (474 pounds)
225 kilograms (496 pounds) — Competition PR
Total
12.5 kilograms (1,129.9 pounds) — U57KG IPF World Record & Competition PR
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Natalie Richards had her first sanctioned powerlifting appearance in November of 2019. So, it took her less than four years and 13 sanctioned competitions to become an IPF World Champion and World Record holder. In addition, she achieved a significant milestone by securing her 11th victory at the 2023 IPF Worlds. This remarkable accomplishment is truly impressive, especially when considering that she has only encountered defeat in two competitions throughout her entire career.
With the win at the 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships Natalie Richards secured a place at the 2023 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships. She has expressed a great desire to appear in this competition on Instagram. So, it is evident that she will be even more motivated for her future endeavors from now on.
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.
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