Phillip Herndon has never shied away from a challenge, especially one that requires him to display his mind-blowing strength. So, after conquering the Raw and Raw With Wraps divisions, Phillip decided to venture out into the Equipped division as well. So, he got a single-ply suit and began preparing for his debut in the division. Not long after, Phillip made an appearance at the 2023 IPA National & Pennsylvania State Powerlifting Championships. The competition took place on November 18-19, and Herndon participated in the 125-kilogram weight class. There, he ended up setting Squat & Total All-Time Equipped World Records.
Phillip Herndon opened up with a 970-pound (440-kilogram) squat, which unfortunately got red lights from the judges. However, despite the setback, Herndon was ready to go significantly heavier on his second attempt. So, his second squat of 1,020 pounds (462.5 kilograms) turned out much better and passed the criteria of the judges.
Finally, Phillip Herndon decided to go for the World Record, and loaded 1,070 pounds (485 kilograms) on the barbell. He attempted the squat, but it was disallowed by the judges. However, there was still one more opportunity for Herndon to break the record because of a rare rule. Namely, IPA’s ruleset states that a lifter is allowed a fourth attempt if the weight that he is aiming to lift is heavier than the World Record.
“Fourth attempts may only be taken for purposes of setting world records…”
So, Phillip Herndon decided to attempt the 1,070-pound (485-kilogram) squat once again. This time, he left the judges no choice but to give him all white lights, thus officially claiming the U125KG Equipped Squat All-Time World Record.
The previous record was in possession of Anthony Oliveira, which he set by squatting 1,036.1 kilograms (470 kilograms) at the 2021 APF Buckeye Bash.
Phillip Herndon’s bodyweight at the time of the competition came out to 266.9 pounds (121 kilograms). He had four unsuccessful attempts overall, but also scratched off his final bench press. However, the lifts that were successful came out to mind-blowing weights, which is why Herndon walked away with two new All-Time World Records.
Squat
Unsuccessful — 970 pounds (440 kilograms)
1,020 pounds (462.5 kilograms)
Unsuccessful — 1,070 pounds (485 kilograms)
1,070 pounds (485 kilograms) — U125KG All-Time Equipped World Record (Single-Ply)
Bench Press
720 pounds (326.5 kilograms)
760 pounds (345 kilograms)
Did Not Attempt
Deadlift
800 pounds (362.5 kilograms)
Unsuccessful — 830 pounds (376.5 kilograms)
Unsuccessful — 830 pounds (376.5 kilograms)
Total — 2580 pounds (1,170 kilograms) — U125KG All-Time Equipped World Record (Single-Ply)
It is important to note that Phillip Herndon was allowed his fourth attempt to break the squat record, but that lift did not count toward his total.
“Fourth attempts may not be applied to the total or be considered as an attempt within a competition.”
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Phillip Herndon has spent the last decade competing in sanctioned powerlifting competitions and has tallied up over 40 appearances. However, he has just now made his debut in the equipped (Single-Ply) division. On the other hand, it is already clear that there is a lot more coming in the future, since it seems that Phillip is eyeing the Multi-Ply division next.
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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