Costa Rican strongwoman, Inez Carrasquillo, is quickly emerging as a leading figure in her sport. The rapid evolution of the strongwoman sport is being fueled by the awe-inspiring displays of strength and resilience from women like Carrasquillo. Determining the singular champion amongst such a pool of extraordinary talent is a Herculean task. However, without a shadow of doubt, Inez is steadily building a robust case for herself. Consistently perched on the upper echelons of the leaderboard across all events, Carrasquillo is demonstrating an all-encompassing skillset that makes her a true contender in the strongwoman circuit.
Her prowess extends beyond national waters; the Costa Rican flag is being hoisted higher than ever in international arenas, thanks to her commendable performances. Recently, Carrasquillo has showcased a surprising new strength, not in her usual events, but in the deadlift – an event she had typically not dominated. In a recent training session, she demonstrated a deadlift of a staggering 550 pounds (249.5 kilograms), setting a new personal record in the event.
Carrasquillo’s New Deadlift Record: A Long-Awaited Achievement
Carrasquillo’s recent deadlift PR comes after a long hiatus from previous record-setting efforts. It’s been nearly three years since her last personal best, a fact shared through an Instagram story. The new PR, a full 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) more than her previous record, signifies a notable improvement in her performance. The accomplishment didn’t come easy; Carrasquillo trained diligently, exhibiting an unyielding commitment to her craft.
Using a conventional stance, Carrasquillo achieved her 550-pound (249.5-kilogram) deadlift PR with minimal aids – just a lifting belt and lifting straps. To place this in context, her heaviest lift with a deadlift suit stands at 580 pounds (263 kilograms).


Pressing Power: Carrasquillo’s True Forte
Although she has recently triumphed with her deadlift PR, Carrasquillo’s true forte lies in her pressing power. This attribute was remarkably showcased at the 2023 Rainier Classic. During the Max Log Lift event, she set a new World Record with a lift of 145.8 kilograms (321.4 pounds). This feat not just obliterated the previous record, but outperformed it by over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
From Powerlifting to Strongwoman: Carrasquillo’s Athletic Journey
Before her impressive foray into strongwoman competitions, Carrasquillo exhibited considerable strength in powerlifting. Despite participating in only three sanctioned competitions, she walked away victorious in all of them. However, her passion and talent were not fully realized until she transitioned to strongwoman sports.
Carrasquillo found inspiration in the success of two-time World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman. Like Carrasquillo, Stoltman is Autistic. His impressive achievements in the sport were a catalyst for Carrasquillo’s pursuit of similar success.
Carrasquillo’s Success Story: A Testament to Determination
Carrasquillo’s relentless drive and determination have led to an impressive track record in the sport. Her victories are numerous, including the 2022 Arnold Amateur Strongwoman World Championships, the 2022 Beerstone, and the 2022 & 2023 Rainier Classics. She also secured a third-place finish at the 2022 World’s Strongest Woman competition.

Future Endeavors: What’s Next for Carrasquillo?
While it remains unclear how many more competitions Carrasquillo will participate in for the rest of the year, she’s been confirmed to represent Team USA at the 2023 World’s Strongest Nation competition. Additionally, she’s expected to compete at the 2023 World’s Strongest Woman competition, aiming to improve her standing from last year.
Overview
The strongwoman sport is enjoying a resurgence like never before, thanks to athletes like Inez Carrasquillo. Her consistent and top-tier performances across various events, coupled with her recent personal best in the deadlift, sets her apart as a well-rounded athlete. In the face of considerable competition, Carrasquillo is proving to be a dominant force in the strongwoman sport, pushing boundaries and breaking records. As she prepares for future competitions, including the 2023 World’s Strongest Nation and the World’s Strongest Woman, fans and competitors alike will be watching with anticipation. Will she continue to defy odds and set new records? Only time will tell.
Featured Image @inez_prostrongwoman (Instagram)