The 76-kilogram weight class of the 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships was one of the most heavily contested in the entire competition. Multiple elite women took part in this weight class, so anyone who managed to outperform others deserves great praise. Notably, Sophia Ellis crushed everyone on the deadlifts, setting new European and British Records with a lift of 245 kilograms (540.1 pounds).
There was no doubt about the validity of Sophia Ellis’ 245-kilogram (540.1-pound) record breaking deadlift since she made sure that every detail of her technique was perfect. Moreover, Sophia believed that there was more left in the tank because of the ease with which the deadlift moved.
“So pleased with how this weight moved and so psyched to know there is more there. 250kg pending ⏳”
Both records were in the possession of Sophia Ellis beforehand as well, but the more notable one, the EPF European Record, was set at the 2022 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships. At that competition, Sophia locked out 240.5 kilograms (530.2 pounds), but she has now lifted 4.5 kilograms (9.9 pounds) more.
Sophia Ellis weighed in at 74.7 kilograms (164.7 pounds) for the 2023 IPF World Championships, making the record-breaking deadlift 3.3x her bodyweight. She also found success in other events, setting new competition PRs in Squat and Total. Moreover, her Total turned out to be a British Record as well.
Sophia Ellis performed exactly as she envisioned, successfully completing all nine of her attempts. She ended up taking fourth place overall, just short of the podium.
225 kilograms (496 pounds)
237.5 kilograms (523.6 pounds)
245 kilograms (534.6 pounds) — U76KG EPF European & British Record
Total — 542.5 kilograms (1,196 pounds) — U76KG British Record & Competition PR
“Last year’s worlds didn’t go to plan, so this time around I wanted to make sure I lifted to the standard I know I’m capable of…and that’s exactly what I did and more.”
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Sophia Ellis has been competing for five years, but she has already taken part in 30 sanctioned competitions. She has won 14 of them, with the most notable being the 2022 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships.
Sophia Ellis has been getting consistently better over the past years, which will hopefully continue for years to come. With a new European Deadlift Record, she proved that she is performing better than she ever has before. As she states, there is still much room to improve. So, Sophia will continue improving and chasing world records.
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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