There is always activity in powerlifting all over the world, enabling athletes to accomplish some incredible feats. So, Jonathan Garcia utilized the 2023 NAPF 20th Annual North American Championships, which took place in the Cayman Islands, to display one of the greatest squats ever. He managed to build up his squat to a weight of 275.5 kilograms (607.4 pounds), which marked a brand new IPF Raw World Record for his 66-kilogram weight class.
Jonathan Garcia crushed his first two attempts before setting his sights on 275.5 kilograms (607.4 pounds) for his third and final one. After the record breaking weight was loaded on the bar for Jonathan, he walked out and sought encouragement from the audience, asking “Do you want to see it?”. With the crowd cheering him on, Jonathan managed to lock out the 275.5-kilogram (697.4-pound) squat and walk away with a new World Record.
With this amazing lift, Jonathan Garcia managed to further improve his own U66KG IPF Raw Squat World Record. He set the previous record by lifting 271 kilograms (597.5 pounds) at the 2022 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Jonathan Garcia was successful in eight attempts at the 2023 NAPF 20th Annual North American Championships, having only missed his final bench press attempt. However, he was the standout athlete in the 66-kilogram weight class, as he put up the heaviest lifts in all events. This secured him a convincing gold medal overall.
Jonathan Garcia also set new Squat and Total competition PRs, while equaling his Deadlift PR as well. Moreover, if he managed to lock out his third bench press, that would be the most he has lifted in competition as well.
Squat
255 kilograms (562 pounds)
268 kilograms (591 pounds)
275.5 kilograms (607 pounds) — U66KG IPF World Record
5th Annual Central Florida Powerlifting Championships
MR-O
1328.3
480.86
Location
USA-FL
Competition
5th Annual Central Florida Powerlifting Championships
Division
MR-O
Age
~27.5
Equipment
Raw
Class
145.5
Weight
142
Squat
474
-490.5
501.6
501.6
Bench
325.2
341.7
-352.7
341.7
Deadlift
474
485
-501.6
485
GLP
95.15
1
IPL
2015-11-12
World Powerlifting Championships
Open
1295.2
497.92
Location
USA-NV
Competition
World Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Age
27
Equipment
Wraps
Class
132.3
Weight
131.6
Squat
485
Bench
330.7
Deadlift
479.5
1
USPA
2015-06-06
National Benchpress & Deadlift Championships
Open
330.7
129.19
Location
USA-FL
Competition
National Benchpress & Deadlift Championships
Division
Open
Age
26
Equipment
Raw
Class
132.3
Weight
129.1
Bench
330.7
GLP
90.89
1
USPA
2015-06-06
National Benchpress & Deadlift Championships
Open
485
189.48
Location
USA-FL
Competition
National Benchpress & Deadlift Championships
Division
Open
Age
26
Equipment
Raw
Class
132.3
Weight
129.1
Deadlift
485
1
USPA
2015-03-21
Battle of the Bay Powerlifting
Open
1306.2
500.99
Location
USA-FL
Competition
Battle of the Bay Powerlifting
Division
Open
Age
26
Equipment
Wraps
Class
132.3
Weight
132
Squat
496
Bench
325.2
Deadlift
485
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Jonathan Garcia has been competing professionally in powerlifting since 2015 and has accumulated 19 sanctioned appearances, while his wins account for 12 of them. However, his breakthrough came last year, when Jonathan secured a spot at the 2022 IPF World Championships and claimed a silver medal later on. However, he did not qualify for the IPF World Championships this year, since Brian Le took his spot by beating him at the 2023 AMP Nationals.
However, Jonathan Garcia’s new World Record and victory show that he is now more motivated than ever to find his way back to the IPF Worlds next year. He still has a lot of time to prepare, since he will need to win the Nationals next year to qualify for the 2023 IPF Worlds. His improvement is already evident, so hopefully he manages to add a few more pounds to his total until the time comes to compete.
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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