The raw 120-kilogram division at the 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships is where powerlifting titans battled, and the competition was fiercely riveting. In a surprising twist, after an initial setback, Etienne El Chaer clinched the gold. But it wasn’t without its challenges: he set new Deadlift and Total IPF Junior World Records, marking the intense competition level he faced in his race to the top.
The Pressure-Packed Finale
Entering the competition’s final stage, Etienne was not the favorite. He grappled with an early blow, missing his opening deadlift of 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds). With the odds stacked against him and the pressure intensifying, Etienne, showcasing an ironclad resolve, decided to aim for a record on his subsequent attempt. Demonstrating exemplary technique and power, he successfully hoisted a mammoth 368.5-kilogram (812.4-pound) deadlift.
However, victory was not guaranteed. Realizing that this astonishing feat wouldn’t be sufficient to claim the gold, he pushed his limits once more, gunning for an unprecedented 378.5-kilogram (834.5-pound) deadlift. As Etienne approached the platform, his focus was palpable. With a mixed grip, he initiated the lift, driving through until he locked out. And then, with bated breath, he waited, finally erupting in euphoria when the lift was deemed successful.
This achievement surpassed the previous U120KG IPF Deadlift Junior World Record, set by Anders Broeten Lillemoe, who had managed a lift of 363.5 kilograms (801.4 pounds) during the 2022 IPF World Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships.
View this post on Instagram
Reflecting on Etienne’s Performance
Throughout the competition, Etienne faced fierce rivalry, notably from Jonah Wiendieck, whose exceptional performance was also setting the stage for a world record. Etienne’s two missed attempts, a squat and a deadlift, could’ve spelled disaster in such tight competition. But his perseverance shone through. His final triumphant deadlift propelled his total to an astounding 926 kilograms (2,041.5 pounds), narrowly outclassing Jonah by a mere 0.5 kilograms (1.1 pounds). With this, Etienne didn’t just walk away with a world record; he solidified his place as a gold medalist and a force to be reckoned with in the powerlifting world.
Squat
- 315 kilograms (694.5 pounds)
- 330 kilograms (727.5 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 340 kilograms (749.6 pounds)
Bench Press
- 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
- 210 kilograms (463 pounds)
- 217.5 kilograms (479.5 pounds)
Deadlift
- Unsuccessful — 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds)
- 368.5 kilograms (812.4 pounds)
- 378.5 kilograms (834.5 pounds) — U120KG IPF Junior World Record
- Total — 926 kilograms (2,041.5 pounds) — U120KG IPF Junior World Record
Etienne El Chaer’s Meteoric Rise in Powerlifting: A Deep Dive into His Journey
Overcoming Previous Benchmarks
The 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships saw Etienne El Chaer redefine boundaries. However, reaching this pinnacle wasn’t without its hurdles. Cenk Koçak was the prior record holder, having achieved an impressive total lift of 892.5 kilograms (1,967.6 pounds) during the 2019 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships. Etienne’s performance not only surpassed this mark but also firmly set a new benchmark in the U120KG IPF Total Junior World Record category.
Etienne El Chaer: A Synonym for Success
For those familiar with the powerlifting circuit, Etienne’s name is fast becoming synonymous with excellence. With a personal best in raw lifting of an impressive 727.5 kilograms (1,602.7 pounds) in both squat and deadlift, and a 445.3 kilograms (981.7 pounds) bench press, his statistics speak volumes.
A brief glance at his competition history emphasizes this point:
Arab Cup – IPF (July 18, 2023):Division: Juniors
- Total Lift: 1955.5 lbs
- Dots: 510.84
- Result: 1st Place
The data, sourced from Open Powerlifting and updated as of August 17, 2023, underlines Etienne’s dominant presence in the sport.
View this post on Instagram
The Journey and the Achievements
Etienne’s ascent in the world of powerlifting has been nothing short of spectacular. With the 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships marking his third sanctioned powerlifting competition, his record remains untainted: three competitions, three victories.
His prior victories are just as laudable. He clinched gold at the 2022 AsianPF Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships and followed it up with another top podium finish at the 2023 IPF Arab Cup.
As he gears up to transition to the Open age class next year, Etienne has already amassed an enviable list of accolades, now boasting two IPF Junior World Records. And as he basks in the limelight, his success also shines brightly on his homeland, Lebanon. His achievements are particularly noteworthy when seen in conjunction with Joya Khairallah, another Lebanese powerlifting sensation who recently set two IPF Junior World Records. Together, they’re not just raising bars but also national pride.
Overview
In a nail-biting contest at the 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships, the raw 120-kilogram division stood out. Etienne El Chaer, battling initial setbacks, emerged victorious, setting new Deadlift and Total IPF Junior World Records in the process. His journey encapsulates intense rivalry, moments of uncertainty, and ultimate triumph, positioning him as a formidable talent in the powerlifting realm.
Featured Image @TheIpf (Instagram)
