Stef Kean is an extremely experienced powerlifter, but she is still finding ways to improve and impress everyone. Her recent training sessions have been nothing short of world-class, as she is challenging the World Record lifts on a weekly basis. On April 7th, Stef Kean loaded the bar with 161.5 kg (356 lbs) and successfully squatted it. This marks an Unofficial IPF World Record Squat in the 52 kg weight class.
To aid her in the lift, Stef Kean only used a lifting belt, making her squat raw. She stated that the lift was an RPE (Rate Of Perceived Exertion) level 7, which in powerlifting terms means that while the lift is heavy, it also feels very comfortable. From a viewer’s standpoint, Stef Kean’s 161.5 kg (356 lbs) squat also looked very easy. It is crazy to think that this is heavier than the current IPF squat record of 161 kg (354.9 lbs). The 52 kg weight class record was set by Dekkers Pleun at the 2021 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships.
You can watch the lift here:
“Casual mid-week unofficial WR squat 💪 161.5 kg. RPE 7: If you’ve ever seen me have to grind a squat, you know this is a 7 😂 Fun fact: I squat 160 kg or more 1x a week. This week twice 😂.”
In this same training week, Stef Kean posted an 85 kg (187.4 lbs) bench press and a 180 kg (396.8 lbs) deadlift.
Stef Kean’s Career
Stef Kean is in her mid-thirties, and her PRs are still getting progressively heavier. She has been competing for almost a full decade, having taken up powerlifting in 2013. In the last 9 years, Stef Kean has competed in 29 sanctioned competitions, and came out victorious in 21 of them. Her most notable performances are:
- 2013 – 2020 CPU Canadian Nationals – 1st place
- 2014 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships – 3rd place
- 2015 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships – 3rd place
Stef Kean’s Current Raw Competition PRs
- Squat: 161 kg (354.9 lbs) (2021 CPU 709 Open)
- Bench Press: 81 kg (178.5 lbs) (2021 CPU 709 Open)
- Deadlift: 177.5 kg (391.3 lbs) (2021 CPU 709 Open)
- Total: 417 kg (919.3 lbs) (2021 CPU 709 Open)
Related: Powerlifter Jessica Buettner Hits a Huge Squat PR of 217.5 kg (479.5 lbs) in Training
Stef Kean will compete at the 2022 Canadian Nationals in 5 weeks’ time, but her ultimate test this year will be the 2022 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, which will take place from June 6-12, 2022, in Sun City, South Africa. Judging by her training sessions, it seems like she will be one of the favorites for the 52 kg weight class, but will also chase the Squat World Record.
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