During the highly anticipated 2023 USA Powerlifting (USAPL) P3 Grand Prix held on May 20, Austin Perkins, a formidable powerlifter, etched his name in the record books. Perkins accomplished a remarkable feat by executing a raw back squat of 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds), setting a new all-time raw world record in the fiercely competitive 75-kilogram weight class. This extraordinary lift surpassed the previous record held by Taylor Atwood by a margin of two kilograms (4.4 pounds). Notably, Atwood had achieved a raw squat record of 303 kilograms (668 pounds) in the same weight class at the 2021 USAPL Raw Nationals, according to official records maintained by Open Powerlifting.
Record-Breaking Performance and Equipment
To accomplish this incredible feat, Perkins donned the necessary lifting gear, including a lifting belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves. It is important to note that despite utilizing these supportive accessories, Perkins’ lift is considered raw within the sanctioned powerlifting guidelines. These equipment choices played a crucial role in aiding Perkins to achieve his record-setting squat.
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Persistence and Triumph
In a recent Instagram post caption, Perkins shared insights into his journey towards securing the raw world record squat. He recounted his meticulous preparation leading up to the momentous lift, where he utilized all three of his attempts to surpass the new boundary. Starting with an impressive 280-kilogram (617.4-pound) first squat, followed by a 295-kilogram (650-pound) second squat, Perkins demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience to finally break the record.
Motivation and Technique Refinement
Perkins revealed that his pursuit of the raw world record squat was fueled by a disappointing personal performance at the 2022 USAPL Virginia Pro competition, which he still emerged victorious in the raw 75-kilogram class. Determined to improve, Perkins made critical adjustments to his technique, focusing on achieving greater depth in his squats. Additionally, he modified his grip by widening his hand placement and positioning the barbell lower, enabling a more advantageous “vertical” squat posture.
Unmatched Performance at USAPL P3 Grand Prix
Beyond his historic squat achievement, Perkins showcased an exceptional overall performance at the 2023 USAPL P3 Grand Prix. Alongside the all-time raw world record squat, he achieved remarkable milestones in other disciplines. Notably, Perkins attained all-time raw competition bests in the bench press, with an impressive lift of 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds), as well as the deadlift, where he lifted an astounding 325 kilograms (716.5 pounds). In terms of the total weight lifted across all three disciplines, Perkins established a new benchmark with an incredible total of 825 kilograms (1,818.8 pounds). These outstanding accomplishments solidify Perkins’ position as one of the most dominant powerlifters in the 75kg weight class.
- Austin Perkins (75KG) | 2023 USAPL P3 Grand Prix Top Stats
- Squat — 305-kilogram (672.4-pound) | All-Time Raw World Record
- Bench Press — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
- Deadlift — 325 kilograms (716.5 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
- Total — 825 kilograms (1,818.8 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
Note: At the time of this writing, Perkins’ record squat mark is official but has not yet been reflected in databases like Open Powerlifting.
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Perkins Sets Sights on Future Victories Following World Record
Despite achieving a groundbreaking raw world record and investing immense effort into his recent performance, Austin Perkins doesn’t appear content with resting on his laurels. Instead, he views his remarkable display at the USAPL P3 Grand Prix as merely the starting point for greater accomplishments. Perkins hinted at his upcoming appearance at the 2023 USAPL Equipped Nationals scheduled for June 17, 2023, in Dallas, TX, indicating a strong desire to emerge victorious this time around.
Unfinished Business at Equipped Nationals
Having secured the runner-up position in the 75-kilogram weight class during his last Equipped Nationals outing in 2021, Perkins appears driven to ascend to the pinnacle of success in the upcoming event. His tone suggests a determined mindset, fueling the anticipation for an impressive performance and a potential triumph.
Confidence and Preparation for Future Challenges
Reflecting on his record-breaking raw World Record squat, Perkins expressed a sense of unparalleled confidence. He emphasized the absence of unknown variables on the day of the meet, which contributed to his satisfaction. The meticulous planning and adherence to a well-defined strategy enabled Perkins to approach each lift with certainty. Notably, he expressed intent to follow a similar protocol for the 2023 USAPL Equipped Nationals, signaling his unwavering commitment to his preparation. The powerlifter’s eagerness to push his limits and achieve even greater feats in future competitions was palpable in his closing remarks.
Awaiting New Heights at Equipped Nationals
With a sense of anticipation building, Perkins eagerly awaits the challenge that the 2023 USAPL Equipped Nationals will present. Bolstered by the confidence gained from his recent record-breaking accomplishment, he is poised to embrace the opportunity to test his limits further. As Perkins sets his sights on future victories, the powerlifting community eagerly awaits his next appearance, anticipating his relentless pursuit of excellence in the highly competitive world of powerlifting.
“To cap things off, this was the most confident on a squat I had ever been,” Perkins wrote of his raw World Record squat. “There weren’t any unknown variables come meet day which I loved. We went in and hit numbers we knew were going to be easy enough. [I’m] following the same protocol for Nats [the 2023 USAPL Equipped Nationals]. Can’t wait to see what we do when we’re actually pushing limits.”
Overview
During the 2023 USA Powerlifting (USAPL) P3 Grand Prix, Austin Perkins set a new all-time raw world record in the 75-kilogram weight class with a back squat of 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds). This surpasses the previous record held by Taylor Atwood. Perkins utilized supportive gear while remaining within raw lifting guidelines. He also achieved exceptional results in other disciplines, including the bench press, deadlift, and total weight lifted. Perkins looks forward to future competitions, aiming to secure victory at the 2023 USAPL Equipped Nationals.
Courtesy Image @the75KG (Instagram)
