David Ricks has been a competitive powerlifter in some fashion since February of 1981. Now on the age of 63, the 10-time International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Champion continues to push himself together with his strength and training to open eyes on sanctioned lifting platforms. 

On August 23, 2022, Ricks (93KG) shared Instagram footage of himself deadlifting 284.5 kilograms (628 kilos) raw for five reps. Ricks donned a lifting belt and wrist wraps to assist him with the feat.

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In line with the Masters 3 powerlifter (ages 60-69), the staggering pull session is a component of Ricks’ ongoing preparation for the 2022 IPF World Classic & Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championships. That contest will happen on October 8-15 in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada.

Judging by how his 2022 competitive 12 months has gone up to now, that could be one other productive contest for Ricks.

In late February, while competing within the 93-kilogram division, Ricks took first place in each the Open and Masters 3 divisions on the 2022 U.S. Virgin Islands Powerlifting Federation (USVIPF) Classic & Equipped National Championships. He followed that performance with a first-place Masters 3 result on the 2022 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships in early June. That contest also saw Ricks break three IPF raw World Records.

Here’s a rundown of his top stats from Sun City, South Africa:

David Ricks (93KG) | 2022 IPF Worlds Top Stats (Masters 3)

• Squat — 305 kilograms (672.4 kilos) — Masters 3 IPF Raw World Record
• Bench Press — 202.5 kilograms (446.4 kilos) — Masters 3 IPF Raw World Record
• Deadlift —  265 kilograms (584.2 kilos)
• Total — 772.5 kilograms (1,703.1 kilos) — Masters 3 IPF Raw World Record

In line with Open Powerlifting, Ricks’ current Masters 3 raw world records are much higher than the following closest lifts. His squat is 65 kilograms (143.3 kilos) heavier than Jósef Gromek in second, his bench press is 45 kilograms (99.2 kilos) greater than Ilkka Launonen just behind him, and his total is 117.5 kilograms (259 kilos) above Gromek once more. 

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In a profession that spans back greater than 4 a long time, here’s an outline of Ricks’ all-time competition bests:

David Ricks | All-Time Best Raw Competition Bests

• Squat — 325.5 kilograms (717.6 kilos)
• Bench Press — 210 kilograms (462.9 kilos)
• Deadlift — 325 kilograms (716.5 kilos)
• Total — 830 kilograms (1,829.8 kilos)

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Grinding Away

Ricks often makes it a degree to share noteworthy training feats on his Instagram profile in preparation for competition and otherwise. For instance, before completing this most up-to-date deadlift session, the Masters 3 powerlifter squatted 277.1 kilograms (611 kilos) for six reps in mid-August. A squat routine from July saw the athlete capture a 244.9-kilogram (540-pound) squat for an eight-rep personal record (PR). 

Whatever Ricks focuses on together with his training appears to transfer well to official competition. That might make his next appearance in Canada a memorable one. The 2022 IPF World Classic & Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championships will occur on October 8-15, 2022, in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada.

Featured image: @ricks.david on Instagram