A decade-long stalwart of the powerlifting scene, Emily Hu has never shied away from acknowledging the need for a more nuanced training approach, especially considering her age of 41. Despite the years, Emily’s powerlifting prowess shows no signs of waning. In fact, she continues to grow stronger, breaking records with an apparent ease. At the recent 2023 WRPF Siege of the Shore event held on July 23rd in San Diego, Emily once again demonstrated her formidable strength, achieving a 137.5-kilogram (303.1-pound) bench press to secure a new All-Time World Record.
Overthrowing a Legend: Hu Breaks Jennifer Thompson’s Record
In clinching victory in the raw 60-kilogram weight division, Emily Hu toppled the previous U60KG bench press All-Time World Record held by powerlifting legend Jennifer Thompson. Thompson’s world record was a robust 136.5 kilograms (300.9 pounds), set during the 2012 NAPF Raw Challenge.
Steady Ascent to the Top: Emily Hu’s Bench Press Session
Emily began her bench press session with a steady 125-kilogram (275.6-pound) lift, following which she confidently advanced to 132.5 kilograms (292.1 pounds). With one opportunity to establish a 137.5-kilogram (303.1-pound) bench press World Record, Emily took the chance and executed it effortlessly.
A Closer Look at Emily Hu’s Performance
Emily tipped the scales at exactly 59.1 kilograms (130.3 pounds) for her appearance at the 2023 WRPF Siege of the Shore. Despite missing one deadlift attempt, she turned in an almost flawless performance. While she didn’t set new competition PRs in everything aside from the bench press, the World Record was her primary target, and she achieved it brilliantly.
Squat
- 130 kilograms (286.6 pounds)
- 142.5 kilograms (314.1 pounds)
- 150 kilograms (330.7 pounds)
Bench Press
- 125 kilograms (275.6 pounds)
- 132.5 kilograms (292.1 pounds)
- 137.5 kilograms (303.1 pounds) — U60KG All-Time World Record
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Deadlift
- 170 kilograms (374.8 pounds)
- 185 kilograms (407.8 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
- Total — 472.5 kilograms (1,041.6 pounds)
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A Glance at Emily Hu’s Competitive History and Achievements
With an illustrious powerlifting career spanning 11 years, Emily Hu has participated in 29 sanctioned powerlifting events. Often outshining her fellow competitors, Emily has triumphed in 20 of these competitions. Her recent bench press record marks the fourth time she has set an All-Time World Record, a truly remarkable achievement in the powerlifting world.
Perseverance Pays Off: Emily Hu’s Journey to the World Record
As stated in Emily Hu’s Instagram post, she has been pursuing this world record for several years. It’s clear that achieving this milestone required immense sacrifice, but now she can relish being a member of the “300 club”. While Emily remains tight-lipped about her future plans, she continues to be actively engaged in multiple pursuits.
Emily Hu: Beyond Powerlifting
Alongside her fitness endeavors, Emily has been dedicating time to other aspects of her life. Not only does she strive to maintain her own formidable physique, but she has also authored a book aimed at helping others realize their fitness aspirations.
Overview
At 41, Emily Hu continues to make her mark in the powerlifting scene, recently setting a new 137.5-kilogram (303.1-pound) All-Time World Record in the bench press at the 2023 WRPF Siege of the Shore event. This achievement in the raw 60-kilogram weight division surpasses Jennifer Thompson’s previous record, demonstrating Emily’s dedication and resilience. Throughout her 11-year career, Emily has participated in 29 competitions, triumphing in 20, and has set an All-Time World Record four times. Beyond her sporting pursuits, Emily balances maintaining her own physique with helping others achieve their fitness goals, as demonstrated by her authoring of a fitness book.
Featured Image @amithebenchbrah (Instagram)
