Mitchell Hooper, a rising star in the world of strength sports, has been making a name for himself with his incredible displays of power. Following his recent victory at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Hooper has now taken on the challenge of breaking the legendary squat record set by bodybuilding icon Tom Platz. In a captivating YouTube video, Hooper successfully completed 24 reps of a 525-pound squat, surpassing Platz’s previous record of 23 reps.
A Journey of Strength and Success
Mitchell Hooper’s ascent in the world of strength sports has been nothing short of remarkable. He first gained attention with his exceptional performance in the qualifying group stages of the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition. Building on his initial success, Hooper went on to claim bronze medals at both the 2022 Rogue Invitational and the 2022 Shaw Classic. Notably, he also secured the gold medal at the 2023 Australia’s Strongest International contest, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable athlete in the field.
Pushing the Boundaries of Strength
Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his strength, Hooper consistently challenges himself in training. In recent sessions, he achieved a new personal record with a raw deadlift of 925.9 pounds and astounded spectators with eight reps of raw leg presses, totaling a staggering 1,697.6 pounds. These remarkable displays of power were part of Hooper’s preparation for the highly anticipated 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic, where he emerged as the ultimate champion.
Triumph at the World’s Strongest Man Competition
Hooper’s most significant triumph came at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, where he delivered an awe-inspiring performance. From the opening stanza, he established a commanding lead and further solidified his position on the second day of the competition. In a historic moment, Hooper became the first Canadian athlete to claim the coveted World’s Strongest Man title, surpassing Celebrity competitors such as Oleksii Novikov and Tom Stoltman.
Tom Platz’s Legendary Record
Bodybuilding legend Tom Platz, known for his exceptional lower body development, previously held the squat record that Hooper surpassed. In 1992, during the Famous “Great American Squat-Off” in Essen, Germany, Platz completed an impressive 23 reps of a 525-pound squat. His formidable opponent, Fred Hatfield, managed 11 reps with the same weight. Despite retiring from professional competition, Platz continues to inspire with his dedication to fitness and his muscular physique, as he recently showcased his jacked quads after making changes to his diet and training regimen at the age of 67.
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Record-Breaking Attempts: Chasing Platz’s Squat Record
The Pursuit of Greatness
Tom Platz’s legendary squat record of 23 reps with 525 pounds has drawn numerous contenders eager to prove their strength and endurance. Among those who have stepped up to the challenge is powerlifter Bradon Gulch, who recently made an attempt to break the record. Despite his valiant effort, Gulch fell short of surpassing Platz’s achievement.
Matt Wenning’s Impressive Feat
Another determined athlete, Matt Wenning, managed to surpass Platz’s record by completing 24 reps in his attempt. However, Wenning was unable to match ‘The Quadfather’s’ total weight lifted of 525 pounds, demonstrating the sheer magnitude of Platz’s accomplishment.
Though the quest to break Tom Platz’s record continues, it serves as a testament to the extraordinary level of strength and perseverance required to reach such remarkable heights in the world of strength sports.
Mitchell Hooper Surpasses Tom Platz’s Legendary Squat Challenge Record
In a recent YouTube video, Mitchell Hooper showcased his exceptional strength and determination as he surpassed Tom Platz’s renowned squat challenge record of 525 pounds. Hooper’s strategic use of lifting accessories, including a belt and knee sleeves, aided him in accomplishing this remarkable feat.
“At the 1993 FIBO show, Tom Platz and Fred Hatfield had a squat-off and in the squat-off, they did 525 for reps. Tom Platz set the record at 23 which is a record that stood all the way up until about eight months ago when Matt Wenning went and did 24.”
“It’s going to be difficult. There’s a lot of anxiety around doing that many reps that heavy.
“It gets really challenging at first to squat due to my shoulder mobility.”
“It actually got to a point where just standing with the weight was the challenge. I was losing my balance just trying to stay upright.”
Mitchell Hooper Sets New Record with 24 Reps in Tom Platz’s Squat Challenge
Canadian strongman Mitchell Hooper has made a significant impact in the world of strength sports with his recent achievement. In a captivating YouTube video, Hooper surpassed bodybuilding icon Tom Platz’s legendary squat challenge record of 23 reps with an impressive 24 reps. With meticulous preparation and a focused mindset, Hooper demonstrated his exceptional strength and determination.
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The Challenging Ascent: Hooper’s Squat Journey
Hooper embarked on his squat challenge by performing a warm-up set, gradually progressing to a weight of 495 pounds. The real test awaited him at 525 pounds, a weight that demanded utmost focus and resilience. Despite acknowledging the formidable task ahead, Hooper remained resolute and committed to pushing his limits.
A Display of Technique and Endurance
Executing each squat with precision, Hooper maintained proper technique and form throughout the grueling set. He set a brisk pace in the initial phase, smoothly completing the first 10 reps. After a brief pause, Hooper gathered his strength to conquer five more reps before taking another short break. With unwavering determination, he pushed himself through the final stretch, fighting through fatigue and shaking legs to accomplish 24 reps.
Hooper’s Post-Win Training and Insightful Discussions
Days after his victory at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, Hooper returned to training. Employing a bodybuilding-style workout routine, he gradually reintegrated strongman training into his regimen, demonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement.
Beyond his physical prowess, Hooper has been vocal about important aspects of the strength sports community. He advocates for a proper ruleset to ensure fair competition and minimize confusion during events. Additionally, he shares valuable insights on essential supplements and offers his perspective on alcohol and sugar consumption for optimal recovery.
The Rise of a Powerhouse Athlete
Hooper’s remarkable achievement of breaking Platz’s squat challenge record is a testament to his growing stature in the world of strength sports. Recently, he astounded audiences with an impressive 20 reps on 465-pound squats, further solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with.
Looking Ahead: Hooper’s Promising Future
With his tremendous progress and unwavering dedication, Mitchell Hooper has exciting plans lined up for this year. His upcoming appearances at the 2023 Shaw Classic and the 2023 Rogue Invitationals have generated considerable anticipation. Given his young age and immense potential, Hooper is poised to continue adding numerous records to his already impressive and rapidly expanding resume.
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Overview
Canadian strongman Mitchell Hooper, a rising star in strength sports, recently broke bodybuilding icon Tom Platz’s legendary squat record. In a YouTube video, Hooper surpassed Platz’s 23-rep record with an impressive 24 reps of a 525-pound squat. Hooper’s remarkable feat adds to his growing list of achievements, including his victory at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition. With his dedication and exceptional strength, Hooper continues to make waves in the world of strength sports.
Featured Image @Mitchell Hooper & Tom Paltz (YouTube)
