Jared Martin - Image credit @usapowerlifting Instagram
The 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals have provided us with quite a few remarkable moments, as the competition spanned from September 14-17, at the Memphis Renasant Convention Center in Tennessee. It is hard to pinpoint what the greatest feat of strength from this competition was, but Jared Martin’s achievement is definitely one of the most talked about. However, it is no wonder, seeing that he has managed to lock out a ginormous weight on the squats while competing in the 125-kilogram weight class. It came out to 393 kilograms (866.4 pounds) and marked a new U125KG Drug-Tested Squat All-Time World Record.
Jared Martin was not allowed to use anything apart from a lifting belt and knee sleeves due to competing in the raw division. Regardless, Jared was ready for the record-breaking lift, as his raw power and strength allowed him to go through the entire lift without any risk of failing. It was immediately clear that a new World Record was put in place, but Jared contained his emotions until the judges gave the white lights.
Dennis Cornelius’ 392.5-kilogram (865.3-pound) previous U125KG Drug-Tested All-Time Squat World Record was pretty iconic, as it stood untouched for seven years. That is, until Jared Martin decided to claim it for himself at the 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals.
Jared Martin crushed the squats at the 2023 USAPL Raw Nationals, but it seems that his luck ran out after it. Going into the bench press, Jared missed his final attempt, which would have been a new competition PR. Moreover, he then had only one successful deadlift out of the three attempts.
In the end, Jared Martin and Devin Williams tied for first place overall since both had a Total of 950.5 kilograms (2,095.5 pounds). However, Devind Williams won the title on a tie-breaker, presumably because his bodyweight was 1-kilogram (2.2 pounds) lighter than Jared Martin’s.
Squat
362.5 kilograms (799.2 pounds)
382.5 kilograms (843.3 pounds)
393 kilograms (866.4 pounds) — U125KG Drug-Tested All-Time World Record
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Jared Martin is a seasoned powerlifting competitor, having been doing the sport since 2013. In the decade that he has been competing, Jared has taken part in 18 sanctioned contests overall and claimed five victories. However, his new 293-kilogram (866.4-pound) Squat World Record seems to be the greatest moment of his career, especially considering how difficult it will be for anyone else to break it in the future.
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.
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