When Budapest welcomed the rising stars of powerlifting, few expected the spectacle that would follow. From October 10–17, the city’s cobbled streets echoed with applause. In the middle of it all stood Georgia’s Temur Samkharadze. At just 21 years old, Temur Samkharadze set a 389-kilogram (857.6-pound) raw deadlift record in the +120kg Junior European category.
Already, Samkharadze had won the +120kg Junior class three years in a row. Therefore, expectations were sky-high. Still, he rose to the moment. At the European Championships, he delivered a flawless display of power and focus. As a result, he broke the European Deadlift Open Record.
However, the path wasn’t smooth. On his second attempt, he failed to lift the record-breaking weight. Even so, he returned for a third try. This time, he succeeded. In that moment, Samkharadze showed the mental toughness that separates champions from contenders.
“The barbell began its upward journey with a promising momentum, not halting until Temur stood triumphant at full lockout.”
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Notably, he was outdoing himself. The previous record, a lift of 388 kilograms (855.4 pounds), was also his own achievement from the 2023 IPF World Junior and Sub-Junior Classic Championships.
Temur Samkharadze Sets 389-kg (857.6-lb) Raw Deadlift Record in +120kg Junior European Category
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Event Weight | 152.38 kilograms (335.9 pounds) |
| Squat | 360 kg (793.7 lbs) – 385 kg (848.8 lbs) – Unsuccessful at 404 kg (890.7 lbs) |
| Bench Press | 210 kg (463 lbs) – 220 kg (485 lbs) – 227.5 kg (501.6 lbs) |
| Deadlift | 350 kg (771.6 lbs) – Unsuccessful at 389 kg (857.6 lbs) – 389 kg (857.6 lbs) European Record |
| Total Weight Lifted | 1,001.5 kilograms (2,207.9 pounds) |
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Chronicling the Journey: A Look at Samkharadze’s Competitive History
| Place | Fed | Date | Competition | Division | Total Weight (kg) | Dots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | IPF | 2023-06-11 | World Classic Powerlifting Championships | Open | 2166 | 529.35 |
| 1 | EPF | 2022-11-25 | European Classic Powerlifting Championships | Juniors | 2228.9 | 535.65 |
| 1 | IPF | 2022-08-31 | World Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships | Juniors | 2194.7 | 530.91 |
| 2 | IPF | 2022-05-21 | World Bench Press Championships | Juniors | 490.5 (bench only) | 118.69 |
| 1 | EPF | 2021-12-03 | European Classic Powerlifting Championships | Juniors | 2072.3 | 502.35 |
| 1 | IPF | 2021-09-23 | World Classic Powerlifting Championships | Juniors | 2011.7 | 496.42 |
This table encapsulates Samkharadze’s impressive journey from his entry into the competitive realm until now, highlighting his milestones in the process. With every championship and record, it’s evident that this powerlifting prodigy has a promising path ahead.
Overview
Since entering the professional powerlifting scene in 2021, Temur Samkharadze has carved a niche for himself, delivering some of the most outstanding performances ever witnessed among juniors. With eight sanctioned competitions under his belt and victories in six, including three IPF Junior World and EPF Junior European championships, Samkharadze is becoming a force to reckon with.
Drawing parallels to the illustrious career of Jesus Olivares, it appears Temur is on a trajectory that might soon see him challenge the best in the world. With unwavering focus and a hunger for success, Samkharadze’s journey is only just beginning, promising more records, accolades, and breathtaking moments in the world of powerlifting.
Featured Image – Temur Samkharadze: A powerlifter Sets 389-kg (857.6-lb) Raw Deadlift Record in +120kg Junior European Category – Credit: @theipf (Instagram)
