On March 15, 2023, Sonita Muluh, a powerlifter, demonstrated her impressive strength by achieving a 280-kilogram raw back squat during a routine training session. This incredible feat is a clear example of how certain powerlifters have the potential for World Record-adjacent accomplishments even during everyday workouts or sanctioned competitions.
What makes Muluh’s squat particularly noteworthy is that it surpasses the all-time raw World Record in the +90-kilogram weight class by one kilogram. The current record of 278.9 kilograms was set by April Mathis in 2011 at the American Powerlifting Federation Southern States event. Muluh is normally classified as a +84-kilogram powerlifter under the jurisdiction of the International Powerlifting Federation, so her achievement is even more remarkable. The existing World Record has remained unbeaten for over a decade, making Muluh’s accomplishment all the more impressive.
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If Sonita Muluh were to compete in an IPF-sanctioned event and perform the same 280-kilogram raw back squat, it would exceed Bonica Brown’s raw IPF World Record in the +84 category by 2.9 kilograms (6.4 pounds). Brown currently holds the record for squatting 273.5 kilograms (602.9 pounds) in the 2022 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, and she is widely regarded as one of the best powerlifters of all time, having won seven IPF World titles (2014-2019, 2022).
The lack of concrete weight caps in the +84-kilogram and +90-kilogram divisions means that there are no limitations to Sonita Muluh’s training accomplishment. Her achievement stands on par with Mathis and Brown in terms of raw squat weight, regardless of weight class.
According to Open Powerlifting, here is an overview of Sonita Muluh’s all-time raw competition bests. It is worth noting that Muluh has only ever competed in the +84-kilogram weight class.
Sonita Muluh’s Best All-Time Raw Competition Lifts in +84kg Weight Class
Here are the actual all-time raw competition bests for Sonita Muluh in the +84-kilogram weight class, as listed on Open Powerlifting:
- Squat: 272.5 kilograms (600.8 pounds)
- Bench press: 155 kilograms (341.7 pounds)
- Deadlift: 235 kilograms (518.1 pounds)
- Total: 647.5 kilograms (1,427.3 pounds)
As of the time of writing, Sonita Muluh has not announced any upcoming powerlifting competitions. Muluh has recently been focusing on losing body weight, although she has not specified whether this is in preparation for a potential change in weight class. In a recent Instagram post, Muluh stated that she had already lost 2kg (4.4 pounds) and weighed in at 120kg (264.5 pounds), but her strength levels remained high.
Despite not having any immediate plans to compete, Muluh has a strong competitive record, having won eight out of 11 contests she has participated in. She is the reigning European Powerlifting Federation Champion in the raw +84-kilogram division and has only failed to win a competition once in her six appearances in 2022, which was at the IPF World Championships. While she may not have set a World Record squat in competition yet, Muluh’s past success suggests that she could be a formidable contender in any future competitions
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Muluh’s future in powerlifting looks bright, as she is already a well-known and successful athlete in the sport. With her recent impressive lift, she has demonstrated her potential to set new records and leave a lasting mark on the international powerlifting scene. It seems likely that we will see Muluh’s name prominently featured in the record books of powerlifting in the near future.
Courtesy image @sonita_ml (Instagram)
