On August 8, in a digital display of sheer strength, powerlifter Jalen Faulk unveiled a groundbreaking performance on his widely-followed Instagram account. The footage captures Faulk expertly hoisting a 355.1-kilogram (783-pound) raw deadlift during an intense training session. While the sheer weight is astounding, the context heightens its significance: at 19, Faulk claims this Herculean effort is an unofficial 18-19 Teen record in the 100-kilogram weight class.
The official databases of Open Powerlifting note the record is still held by Josiah Richardson, who managed a 339.9-kilogram (749.5-pound) lift at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Drug Tested Wisconsin State Championships.
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Minimal Gear, Maximum Effort
Sporting merely a lifting belt, Faulk embraced the challenge head-on. His choice of a sumo stance combined with a hook grip showcased not just raw power but also commendable technique, as he lifted the colossal weight. Faulk humbly mentioned in his caption that his technique might still have room for improvement, hinting at even greater potential in future sessions. Remarkably, weighing in at 100 kilograms (220.4 pounds), this recent deadlift means Faulk lifted an approximate 3.5 times his body weight — a ratio many seasoned athletes can only dream of.
A Young Powerhouse on the Rise
Faulk’s journey into the powerlifting spotlight began long before this recent deadlift. His social media, especially Instagram, serves as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. Among the troves of achievements, standout moments include a 463-pound bench press from early August 2023 and a 275-kilogram (606.2-pound) three-rep paused back squat PR from July 2023. The previous year, at a tender age of 18, Faulk had set a new personal record with a 300-kilogram (661-pound) squat.
Competition Record: A Young Titan in the Arena
When it comes to competitive powerlifting, Faulk’s résumé is almost unblemished. Open Powerlifting statistics reveal that out of nine appearances, Faulk has tasted defeat a mere three times. Perhaps the pinnacle of his young career was a dominating victory at the 2022 USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Nebraska State Powerlifting Championships, where he competed raw in the Teen division.
However, 2023 seems relatively quiet for Faulk in terms of competitions. He has graced the stage only once this year, at the USAPL Carolina Primetime Pro Qualifier, securing a 15th place finish.
Looking Ahead
Although Faulk remains reticent about his future competitive plans, the powerlifting community eagerly anticipates his next move. His recent accomplishments hint at even loftier feats in the pipeline.
Overview
Jalen Faulk, a 19-year-old powerlifter, continues to astonish with monumental achievements in the sport. While his recent 355.1-kilogram deadlift on Instagram claims an unofficial teen record, his prior accomplishments on both social media and the competitive stage underscore a young athlete bound for greatness. As enthusiasts and rivals alike watch his trajectory, Faulk seems poised to redefine powerlifting records in the coming years.
Featured image @jj.fau1k (Instagram)
