A powerlifter matching or surpassing a world record squat ought to be an incredible challenge. Yet, for an elite athlete with the requisite leg strength like Chad Penson, he could make the difficult feats appear to be a breeze. 

On July 16, 2022, Penson shared footage on his Instagram page where he knocked out a 415-kilogram (915-pound) back squat with wraps during a training session. The strength figure is a recent personal record (PR) for Penson and is 4.6 times his usual competition body weight of 90 kilograms (198.4 kilos). He wore a lifting belt and lifting straps for the squat, which you’ll be able to view within the video below:

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Penson’s recent squat PR is 15 kilograms (33 kilos) greater than his current all-time World Record of 400 kilograms (881.9 kilos) with wraps within the 90-kilogram class. He achieved that record on the 2021 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Kern US Open, taking first place overall. On the time of this writing, Penson stays the one 90-kilogram powerlifter to squat a minimum of 400 kilograms in a sanctioned powerlifting meet. 

Per the caption of Penson’s Instagram post, he’s currently preparing for the 2022 WRPF American Pro, scheduled for July 29-30, 2022, in Manassas, VA. In reference to his recent squat PR and other recent training feats like a 394.6-kilogram (870-pound) squat single from early July 2022, the powerlifter says he’s feeling some apparent fatigue. Nonetheless, it doesn’t appear to be an obstacle that impedes any of his upcoming goals. 

“Two weeks until showtime [the 2022 WRPF American Pro],” Penson writes. “I’m a little bit beat up, but considering all that, I’m pleased how this moved!”

A Dynamic Battle

Because it stands, the 90-kilogram powerlifting division is generally a tug of war between two athletes. To notch his first victory since September 2021, Penson could have to beat his friendly rival, John Haack. In late July 2022, before Penson eclipsed his wraps figure, Haack squatted 365 kilograms (804.7 kilos), matching the raw world record. 

With wraps, Penson’s heaviest total of 997.5 kilograms (2,199.1 kilos) from the 2021 WRPF Kern US Open. Only Haack owns a better raw total of 1,005.5-kilograms (2,216.8 kilos), which he scored on the 2021 WRPF Bucked Up Showdown.

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Haack recently confirmed over social media that he would return to the 90-kilogram division for the 2022 WRPF American Pro. The powerlifter competed at 100 kilograms throughout the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association Hybrid Showdown 4. That announcement sets up a potentially enticing clash between Penson and Haack for the highest of the rostrum. By the American Pro’s end in early August, the record books might need their names splattered throughout. 

Featured image: @kingpensonlifts on Instagram