Phillip Herndon is not the kind of athlete who shies away from a challenge, as evidenced by his impressive competitive record and Instagram posts showcasing his impressive training feats. His unwavering commitment to pushing himself to the limit has once again paid off, as he recently achieved a remarkable feat that has earned him a place in the record books.
On March 18, 2023, during the United States Powerlifting Coalition (USPC) Mid-Atlantic Classic & Regional Championship, Herndon accomplished a raw back squat of 411 kilograms (906.1 pounds). This incredible milestone, according to Open Powerlifting, not only represents Herndon’s personal best in raw competition, but also sets the raw all-time world record for the 125-kilogram (275-pound) weight class. Despite his relatively light body weight of 117 kilograms (258 pounds), which is well below the weight class limit, he managed to lift the impressive weight with only a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps. In fact, he is the lightest athlete ever to perform a raw squat of at least 408.2 kilograms (900 pounds) with knee sleeves.
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Phillip Herndon has made powerlifting history by breaking the raw all-time World Record in the 125-kilogram division. According to Open Powerlifting, Herndon’s 411-kilogram raw back squat has surpassed Dennis Cornelius’s previous record of 410 kilograms at the 2017 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Freedom Fitness Classic.
Herndon’s impressive squat record joins his already distinguished athletic record, which includes the 110-kilogram record of 395 kilograms achieved at the 2022 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) The Freaks Come Out At Night. Herndon transitioned to competing at 125 kilograms after the competition, and now has a new World Record to add to his mantel.
Apart from his squat record, Herndon also achieved raw all-time competition bests in the deadlift (382.3 kilograms/844 pounds) and total (1,023.7 kilograms/2,257 pounds), while matching his best ever raw bench press (230 kilograms/507 pounds).
Herndon’s exceptional performance has landed him in fourth place in the 125-kilogram all-time total record books, trailing just behind Larry “Wheels” Williams who totaled 1031.9 kilograms (2275 pounds) at the 2017 Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) Insurrextion VI.
The results of Phillip Herndon’s record-setting performance at the 2023 USPC Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship are as follows:
Squat: 411 kilograms (906.1 pounds), All-Time Raw World Record
Bench Press: 230 kilograms (507 pounds)
Deadlift: 382.3 kilograms (844 pounds), All-Time Raw Competition Best
Total: 1,023.7 kilograms (2,257 pounds), All-Time Raw Competition Best
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Having set two raw World Records in two separate divisions, Herndon could take a break to recover and plan his next move. However, it seems unlikely that this superstar is done making history. There is a feeling that he is just getting started and will continue to rewrite the record books.
Courtesy image @phillip_herndon (Instagram)
