At the 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships in Cluj Napoca, Romania, powerlifting prodigy Temur Samkharadze yet again underscored why he’s one of the IPF’s most revered figures. Competing in the Junior +120-kilogram category, not only did he surpass his rivals by a significant margin, but he also set an astounding new Deadlift IPF Junior World Record of 388 kilograms (855.4 pounds).
The Road to the Record
His quest for supremacy began confidently, locking in a 340-kilogram (749.6-pound) deadlift right off the bat. This initial success seemed to fuel his ambition further. Temur’s subsequent attempt saw him lifting 360 kilograms (793.7 pounds) with an ease that signaled an even bigger spectacle was on the horizon. And he didn’t disappoint. For his final act, with a conventional stance and just his trusty lifting belt for support, he achieved the unprecedented 388-kilogram lift.
Surpassing His Own Legacy
What makes this new record even more remarkable is that Temur was besting his own previous record of 385.5 kilograms (849.9 pounds) set at the 2022 IPF World Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships. This continued trajectory of success establishes his enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
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Highlighting His Full Performance
Entering the championship as a clear favorite, expectations around Temur were sky-high. While he had competitors challenging him in the squat and bench press categories, when it came to deadlifting, his prowess was unmatched. The consistency, technique, and sheer strength he exhibited on the platform were a testament to his dedication and skills.
A Sport Icon in the Making
With each championship, Temur Samkharadze is solidifying his place as one of powerlifting’s all-time greats. His continuous record-breaking feats and consistent performances are setting new standards for future athletes, making him a true icon in the sport.
Squat
- 360 kilograms (793.7 pounds)
- 385 kilograms (848.8 pounds)
- 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds)
Bench Press
- 210 kilograms (463 pounds)
- 225 kilograms (496 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 232.5 kilograms (512.6 pounds)
Deadlift
- 340 kilograms (749.6 pounds)
- 360 kilograms (793.7 pounds)
- 388 kilograms (855.4 pounds) — +120KG IPF Junior World Record
- Total — 1,008 kilograms (2,222.3 pounds)
Temur Samkharadze: An Ascending Powerlifting Star
The name Temur Samkharadze is becoming synonymous with dominance in the powerlifting realm. With his most recent accomplishment at the 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships, he’s solidifying his position amongst the greats. But let’s dive deeper into his achievements, tracing the trajectory of this young phenom.
Glistening Personal Bests
A quick glance at Samkharadze’s personal bests speaks volumes about his prowess:
- Squat: 889.6 pounds
- Bench Press: 496 pounds
- Deadlift: 889.6 pounds
- Total: 2228.9 pounds
- Dots: 535.65
A Glittering Competitive Record
Samkharadze’s competitive history showcases his consistent excellence. Participating in seven major competitions, he clinched the gold in five. Notably, while still a junior, he dared to challenge the Open age category earlier this year and came remarkably close to the top, bested only by Jesus Olivares.
His noteworthy performances include:
- World Classic Powerlifting Championships (June 11, 2023): Secured the second position with a total lift of 2166 pounds.
- European Classic Powerlifting Championships (November 25, 2022): Reigning champion with a total lift of 2228.9 pounds.
- World Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships (August 31, 2022): Defended his title with a total lift of 2194.7 pounds.
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Analyzing His Triumphs
With five victories in seven outings, Temur’s success rate is exceptional. The stats don’t lie: he’s not just a rising star, but a shining one. Venturing into the Open age class indicates his ambition and confidence. Being bested only by Jesus Olivares in this category is a testament to his unparalleled skills and hints at the promise of future greatness.
The Road Ahead
With back-to-back Junior World Champion titles in 2021 and 2022 under his belt, the future seems promising for Samkharadze. His next challenge will likely involve defending his 2023 IPF European Champion title. Given his track record, it’s not just about defending titles for him anymore; it’s about setting and shattering new records on global platforms.
Overview
At the 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships, Temur Samkharadze once again showcased his unparalleled prowess in the powerlifting arena. Competing in the Junior +120-kilogram category in Cluj Napoca, Romania, he not only outperformed his competitors but also shattered the Deadlift IPF Junior World Record with a staggering lift of 388 kilograms (855.4 pounds). Remarkably, this new record surpassed his own previous benchmark, underscoring his continued dominance in the sport.
Featured Image @theipf (Instagram)
