Russel Orhii is hoping to make 2026 one of his most successful years yet and, judging by how it started, it just might become a reality. Most recently, Russel shared a video on Instagram, showcasing an impressive new personal record. Specifically, he achieved a 372.5-kilogram (821.2-pound) Raw Squat, which not only marked a new all-time PR but also unofficially exceeded the U93KG IPF World Record by 17 kilograms (37.5 pounds).
Russel Orhii is a raw powerlifter. So, for his recent session, he put on a lifting belt, a pair of knee sleeves, and some wrist wraps to protect his joints. He then loaded the bar with more weight than he ever squatted before and prepared for the monumental lift.
When it comes to executing the lift, Orhii took a relatively wide stance and what seemed to be a low-bar setup. He then took one big breath and braced for the lift before proceeding to descend with the barbell on his back. As soon as he reached the required depth, Orhii started ascending back up, smiling before reaching lockout as he realized just how easily he moved the weight.
*The current official U93KG IPF World Record stands at 355.5-kg (783.7-lb). It was set by Russel Orhii at the 2025 NAPF Pan-American Powerlifting Championships.
“I’ve finally acquired the 7th red on squat. It’s crazy because this was the tamed version of what I feel like I can do. There’s still more work to do and things to correct. I have a little over 2 weeks to make things official. Jobs not finished,” wrote Russel on Instagram.
Watch Russel Orhii’s lift here:
Related: Powerlifter Russel Orhii Sets 215-kg (474-lb) Raw Bench Press PR in Training
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Russel Orhii is currently in preparation for the 2026 SBD Sheffield Powerlifting Championships, which will take place on January 31st. The competition will be sanctioned by the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) and will gather some of the most successful powerlifting athletes in the world. It is arguably the biggest powerlifting competition of the season along with the IPF World Championships, and Russel is making sure to come in stronger than ever.
Russel Orhii has taken part in 23 sanctioned powerlifting competitions so far and won 20 of them. Having spent over a decade in the sport, he is highly experienced, boasting two IPF World Championship titles, along with many other impressive achievements and World Records.
Russel Orhii’s Competition PRs
*Russel Orhii set all of his competition PRs at the 2025 NAPF Pan-American Powerlifting Championships.
- Squat: 355.5 kilograms (783.7 pounds)
- Bench Press: 207.5 kilograms (457.5 pounds)
- Deadlift: 355 kilograms (782.6 pounds)
- Total: 918 kilograms (2,023.8 pounds)
Russel Orhii placed fourth at last year’s SBD Powerlifting Championships. So, he is clearly looking to improve at the upcoming competition, which would place him on the podium. With less than three weeks left, Russel is entering the last part of his preparation. It seems that a new Squat World Record is almost guaranteed, but it remains to be seen how far Russel will be able to improve it on the day.
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