On February 19th, 2023, the world of powerlifting witnessed an astounding feat by Hunter Henderson. Competing at the 2023 WRPF Ghost Clash 2 in Florida, Hunter not only set a new 267.5-kilogram (589.7-pound) All-Time Raw Squat World Record in the 82.5-kilogram weight class but also did so in style. So, her performance on this day will go down in history as one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring displays of strength.
Hunter Henderson opened up the competition with a 237.5-kilogram (523.6-pound) squat on her first attempt, showcasing her confidence and composure on the big stage. She then moved on to 257.5 kilograms (567.7 pounds) on her second attempt, already lifting more than the previous record. Having also held the previous record of 250 kilograms (551.2 pounds), which she set at the 2022 USPA Hybrid Showdown 4, Hunter was delighted to see the progress she had made.
However, Hunter Henderson was not content with just breaking the record; she wanted to shatter it. She decided to load up 267.5 kilograms (589.7 pounds) for her final attempt. The weight was enormous, and the pressure was immense. But Hunter was up for the challenge.With the support of her teammates and coach, Hunter walked up to the bar, took a deep breath, and began to lower herself towards it. The moment Hunter reached the bottom of her squat, it was clear that she was not going to let anything stop her. With incredible force, Hunter drove up the bar and it flew up, breaking yet another record.
Hunter Henderson, who entered the competition with an exact bodyweight of 81.4 kilograms (179.5 pounds), put up an impressive performance, only missing one attempt on the bench press and the deadlift. In addition, Hunter walked away with new competition PRs in the squat, bench, and Total events.
Squat
237.5 kilograms (523.6 pounds)
257.5 kilograms (567.7 pounds)
267.5 kilograms (589.7 pounds) — All-Time Raw World Record & Competition PR
Bench Press
142.5 kilograms (314.2 pounds)
152.5 kilograms (336.2 pounds) — Competition PR
Unsuccessful — 157.5 kilograms (347.2 pounds)
Deadlift
235 kilograms (518.1 pounds)
250 kilograms (551.2 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 257.5 kilograms (567.7 pounds)
*Hunter Henderson has a heavier deadlift competition PR of 260 kilograms (573.2 pounds) from the 2021 WRPF Kern US Open.
Total — 670 kilograms (1.477.1 pounds) — Competition PR
This was Hunter Henderson’s ninth time taking part in a sanctioned powerlifting competition and her ninth victory as well. In addition, Hunter is also an IFBB Pro bodybuilder, having earned her pro card at the 2021 NPC USA Championship. She then made her professional debut at the 2021 IFBB Tampa Pro and placed second.
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
In terms of proportions, Hunter Henderson’s new squat will forever remain impressive, as it represents 3.3x her bodyweight. So, it is absolutely clear that Hunter is one of, if not the pound-for-pound greatest squatter in the women’s division. She has not yet stated what her future plans are, but hopefully, she continues to take human potential to new heights.
Vedad is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, who is especially passionate about all things Strength related. Vedad loves to write about strength sports just as much as he likes to train. Worked hard to gain his knowledge, but is still in a constant chase for improvement.