The IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) has displayed its greatness this season, with numerous elite competitions for multiple age classes. Now the time has come for the best young powerlifters and prodigies of the sport to come together and find out who the greatest are. So, the 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships began on August 24th, with the final day of competition being September 3rd. However, we already witnessed potentially the greatest lift of the entire competition, as Tran Tuan Hien set a new U66KG Open IPF World Record of 307.5 kilograms (677.9 pounds).
Being born in 2002, Tran Tuan Hien is still a Junior athlete, but that did not stop him from breaking an Open World Record, which encompasses all age classes. So, having deadlifted 307.5 kilograms (677.9 pounds) at such a young age means that Tran Tuan Hien will be an all-time great if he continues working hard.
Tran Tuan Hien competed in the raw division, meaning he was only allowed to use a lifting belt to complete his deadlift. His technique, on the other hand, featured a sumo stance and a hook grip. Based on the video footage shared on IPF’s Instagram, he didn’t struggle at all, but instead held onto the weight until he got white lights.
The previous U66KG Raw Deadlift Record Holder was Brian Le, who locked out a pull of 300.5 kilograms (662.5 pounds) at the 2023 IPF World (Open) Classic Powerlifting Championships. So, Tran Tuan Hien extended the record by 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds).
Watch the lift here:
Tran Tuan Hien’s Full Performance
Tran Tuan Hien represented Canada at the 2023 IPF World Juniors and Sub-Juniors Classic Championships and ended up taking fourth place in the 66-kilogram weight class. It is obvious that his deadlift is miles above anyone else’s, but his squat and bench are very solid as well. So, with some more experience, Tran Tuan Hien will most definitely become the challenger for the biggest titles that the sport has to offer.
Interestingly, another Junior athlete, Kyle Nowak, broke Brian Le’s IPF Open Raw Deadlift World Record with a lift of 302.5 kilograms (666.9 pounds). However, Kyle’s joy was short-lived, as Tran Tuan Hien outperformed him minutes later.
Squat
- Unsuccessful — 190 kilograms (418.9 pounds)
- 190 kilograms (418.9 pounds)
- 205 kilograms (451.9 pounds)
Bench Press
- 112 kilograms (246.9 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 120 kilograms (264.6 pounds)
- 120 kilograms (264.6 pounds)
Deadlift
- 270 kilograms (595.2 pounds)
- 288 kilograms (634.9 pounds)
- 307.5 kilograms (677.9 pounds) — U66KG IPF Raw Open & Junior World Records
Total — 632.5 kilograms (1,394.4 pounds)
Tran Tuan Hien has made history with his new World Record, but it is very likely that he will continue improving in the upcoming years as well. He also has formidable rivals in the form of Kyle Nowak and Brian Le, which means that the 66-kilogram weight class is becoming extremely competitive. So, we will see countless battles in the upcoming years, as all of the aforementioned athletes are very young and hungry for success.
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