Fresh off his retirement from the Strongman stage, Jesus Olivares made headlines at the 2023 IPF World Championships—but his bench press fell 5 kilograms (11 pounds) short of his best. He didn’t let that setback linger. Instead, he set a new standard with a staggering 280-kilogram (617.3-pound) bench press personal record, silencing doubts and reaffirming his elite status.
Determined to bounce back, Olivares hit a new personal record: a 280-kilogram (617.3-pound) bench press. He shared the feat on YouTube, surrounding himself with four top-tier spotters, including elite lifter Russel Orhii. With his belt locked tight and wraps in place, Olivares nailed the lift and left no doubt about his elite status.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Sheffield. Olivares plans to compete at the 2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships in the UK this February. With $550,000 on the line, the event promises fireworks—and Olivares looks ready to steal the show.
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Jesus Olivares already owns a world record total of 1,152.5 kilograms (2,540.8 pounds). That number alone places him among the sport’s all-time greats. Still, Olivares refuses to settle.
Recently, he zeroed in on the bench press, chasing progress with unrelenting drive. Each lift reflects his obsession with raising the bar—literally and figuratively. He’s not just maintaining form; he’s smashing his own limits.
Olivares holds three IPF world titles and hasn’t lost a meet since 2019. Even in his mid-20s, he’s already competed in 21 sanctioned events and won 12. Every win stacks his case as one of powerlifting’s most dominant forces.
Jesus Olivares: A Powerlifter Sets 280-kg Raw Bench Press Training Record
Jesus Olivares’ Competition Roster:
| Metric | Record |
|---|---|
| Squat | 470 kilograms (1,036.1 pounds) |
| Bench Press | 272.5 kilograms (600.7 pounds) |
| Deadlift | 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) |
| Total | 1,152.5 kilograms (2,540.8 pounds) |
Records set at the 2023 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships
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Competition Results:
| Place | Federation | Date | Competition | Division | Total | Dots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IPF | 2023-06-11 | World Classic Powerlifting Championships | Open | 2381 | 553.06 |
| 1 | IPF | 2023-03-25 | Sheffield Powerlifting Championships | Open | 2540.8 | 592.59 |
| 1 | IPF | 2022-06-06 | World Classic Powerlifting Championships | Open | 2254.2 | 528.4 |
| 1 | AMP | 2022-04-01 | Classic Open Nationals Presented by SBD | MR-O | 2447.1 | 574.71 |
| 1 | IPF | 2021-09-23 | World Classic Powerlifting Championships | Open | 2303.8 | 546.3 |
| 1 | USAPL | 2021-06-14 | Raw Nationals | MR-O | 2248.7 | 532.62 |
| 1 | USAPL | 2020-12-12 | Collegiate Cup and Texas Open | MR-Jr | 2327 | 560.02 |
| 1 | USAPL | 2020-12-12 | Collegiate Cup and Texas Open | MR-O | 2327 | 560.02 |
| 1 | USAPL | 2020-06-27 | Capital City Classic | MR-Jr | 2171.6 | 522.75 |
| 1 | USAPL | 2020-06-27 | Capital City Classic | MR-O | 2171.6 | 522.75 |
| 1 | USAPL | 2019-12-21 | Winter Iron Open | MR-Jr | 1989.7 | 482.18 |
| DQ | THSPA | 2015-03-28 | State Championships Division 1 | Boys | ||
| 4 | THSPA | 2015-03-12 | Boys Region 1 Division 1 | Boys | 1665 | 433.39 |
| 3 | THSPA | 2014-03-08 | Boys Region 1 Division 1 | Boys | 1465 | 383.07 |
| DQ | THSPA | 2014-02-22 | Midland High Invitational | Boys | ||
| 1 | THSPA | 2014-02-15 | Mustang Invitational | Boys | 1440 | 373.98 |
| 3 | THSPA | 2014-02-08 | Seminole Invitational | Boys | 1300 | 338.38 |
| 8 | THSPA | 2013-03-09 | Boys Region 1 Division 1 | Boys | 1230 | 326.57 |
| 6 | THSPA | 2013-02-23 | Midland High Power Invitatational | Boys | 1165 | 308.17 |
| 7 | THSPA | 2013-02-09 | Seminole Power Invitational | Boys | 1050 | 277.6 |
Data sourced from Open Powerlifting, as of August 17, 2023
Overview
In a year marked by both challenges and triumphs, powerlifting legend Jesus Olivares made headlines by transitioning from a setback at the 2023 IPF World Championships to setting a new personal record in training with a 280-kilogram (617.3-pound) bench press. While his bench press at the championship had faltered, Olivares, undeterred, set his sights higher, quickly eclipsing his previous performance. Not content with just personal progress, he is also focusing on forthcoming competitions, with the 2024 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships on his horizon. Beyond his evident prowess in bench pressing, Olivares shows significant advancement in other events, notably the deadlift. Combining his competitive history, a string of victories, and his evident drive, the powerlifting community eagerly awaits Olivares’ next monumental achievement.
Featured Image – Jesus Olivares: A Powerlifter Sets 280-kg Raw Bench Press Training Record – Credit: @mega.gojira (Instagram)
