The 2024 Official Strongman Record Breakers event took place on April 20th in Londonderry, North Ireland. It definitely justified its name, as multiple athletes walked away with new World Records. One of the most notable ones was set by Sumer Johnson, an elite Strongwoman competitor in the 82-kilogram weight class. She impressed everyone with a 300-kilogram (661.4) deadlift, marking a new U82KG World Record.
Sumer Johnson might have opened a new era in the sport of Strongwoman, as she is the first athlete to reach the 300-kilogram (661.4-pound) milestone while competing in the 82-kilogram weight class. Moreover, even when looking at the open weight class, Lucy Underdown was the only athlete to reach or exceed the milestone prior to the recent weekend.
Sumer Johnson used a conventional stance to perform her record-breaking 300-kilogram (661.4-pound) deadlift, along with a lifting belt and wrist wraps to aid her in the feat of strength. The lift itself looked far easier and smoother than anyone expected, indicating that Sumer is capable of deadlifting even more.
However, once Sumer Johnson reached full lockout, some blood started pouring from her forehead, proving just how much pressure she felt while picking up 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds).
*The former U82KG Deadlift World Record was held by Rhianon Lovelace, who locked out 282.5 kilograms (622.8 pounds) at the 2022 Berkshire’s Strongest competition. However, it is important to note that Rhianon weighed in at 62.5 kilograms (137.8 pounds) for her record-breaking lift.
Watch Sumer Johnson’s lift here:
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Related: Strongwoman Lucy Underdown Sets 320-kg (701-lb) Deadlift World Record
Sumer Johnson is looking stronger than ever, and that is not limited to just her deadlift strength. She is great in all aspects of Strongwoman, considering her pressing power and quickness on moving events are exceptional as well.
When it comes to competing at major events, two shows stand out in Sumer Johnson’s resume. The first one is her fourth-place finish at the 2017 U82 Arnold Amateur Strongwoman World Championships. This appearance introduced Sumer to the highest level of Strongwoman and gave her some recognition in the community.
Her second notable appearance came at the 2022 America’s Strongest Woman where she competed against athletes in the Open weight class and gave them a run for their money. Sumer ended up placing fifth, but only behind the likes of Gabi Dixson, Inez Carrasquilo, Olga Liashchuk, and Victoria Long.
Sumer Johnson has also spent some time in powerlifting and made two sanctioned powerlifting appearances. She placed first in both competitions, and her best numbers across the events came out to:
- Squat (Wraps): 227.2 kilograms (501 pounds)
- Bench Press (Raw): 120.6 kilograms (266 pounds)
- Deadlift (Raw): 249.9 kilograms (551 pounds)
- Total (Raw W/Wraps): 597.8 kilograms (1,318 pounds)
Related: Strongwoman Rhianon Lovelace (U64KG) Sets a 273.5-kg (603-lb) Kratos Bar Deadlift World Record
Having now crossed the 300-kilogram (661.4-pound) deadlift milestone, Sumer Johnson will most likely set a new goal to chase. Whether that will be an even heavier deadlift, or perhaps some other World Record, is unknown, but there is no doubt that Sumer will be successful in anything she sets her mind to do.