John Haack - Image via @bilbo_swaggins181 Instagram
The activity of John Haack over the past few months certainly shows. He recently took part in the 2022 WRPF American Pro, which resulted in three World Records. Almost anyone would find that satisfying, except Haack. Instead, he returned straight to training in the gym and continued to work hard. That has now resulted in his greatest bench press so far, as Haack locked out 275 kilograms (606 pounds).
Although John Haack did bench press 600 pounds on multiple occasions, adding any amount of weight to that is impressive. However, it is evident that he is capable of doing even more, since this 275-kilogram (606-pound) bench press moved very smoothly. The lift was also raw, as John was only equipped with wrist wraps.
“275kgs/606lbs for an RPE 8 With a nip slip. Nice little PB to finish off prep for the USPA Pro Raw.”
As he stated in the caption of his Instagram post, John Haack performed this lift as a part of his preparation for the 2022 USPA Pro Raw. This competition will take place on Sept. 24, 2022, in North Kansas City, MO, so there are still a few more days for him to perfect his technique. It is very likely that he will compete in the 90-kilogram weight class, but his current bodyweight is 98.4 kilograms (217 pounds). Haack is experienced with cutting weight prior to a competition, so it should not pose a problem for him.
John Haack is without a doubt one of the greatest pound-for-pound bench pressers in history. Not only does he hold the World Records in the 90-kilogram weight class, but also in the 100-kilogram weight class. He also likes to feel that he has more work to do in the 90-kilogram weight class, despite some of his lifts being heavier than records in heavier weight classes.
Overall, John Haack has had one of the most successful powerlifting careers ever. Out of the 25 competitions in which he took part, Haack managed to win 21. Those include some very prestigious and difficult meets.
John Haack’s Competition PRs
*John Haack set all of his competition PRs at the 2022 WRPF American Pro.
Squat: 345 kilograms (760.6 pounds)
Bench Press: 267.4 kilograms (589.7 pounds) — U90KG All-Time World Record
Deadlift: 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) — U90KG All-Time World Record
Total: 1,022 kilograms (2,254.2 pounds) — U90KG All-Time World Record
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
At 29 years old, John Haack has accumulated almost a decade of experience in powerlifting. While Haack still has a lot more time to improve, he is already widely regarded as one of the greatest powerlifters of all time.
Based on his new PR and a bodyweight of 98.4 kilograms (217 pounds), if he replicates this feat of strength at his upcoming appearance, John Haack will become the lightest man to officially bench press 600 pounds (272.1 kilograms) in a full-power competition. This achievement would even further solidify his title of the powerlifting G.O.A.T.
Andrew is a professional writer and a workaholic. He studied sports for 4 years and trained soccer for almost 15 years. In addition, for the past three years Andrew has been implementing functional training, with a dream or a plan to enroll in the special forces.
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