This unique cluster set was heavier than her current world record.
47-kilogram powerlifter Heather Connor has shown that she will likely be able to compete on the 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships on the week of June 11-18 in Valletta, Malta by performing a singular cluster set.
On May 5, 2023, Connor posted an Instagram reel of herself performing a singular cluster set — a training technique that involves very temporary rest between repetitions. She began the set by deadlifting 190 kilograms (418.9 kilos) for a single rep. Her spotters immediately added more weight to the bar and, a couple of seconds later, she quickly performed a rep with 195 kilograms (430 kilos). Connor appears to have mistakenly listed the 195-kilogram lift as “424” kilos within the post’s caption.
The second repetition was above her current all-time World Record of 192.5 kilograms (424.4 kilos) that she pulled on the 2021 USAPL Raw Nationals. Each reps were above her current IPF World Record of 185 kilograms (407.8 kilos) that she achieved on the 2022 IPF World Classic meet, which she referenced within the text on the video.
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Connor approached the bar in her familiar sumo stance, grabbed the barbell with an in depth grip, and lifted it straight as much as a lockout. Once she returned the barbell to the ground, she stepped away while the opposite plates were added outside of the collars.
She then quickly returned to the barbell, repositioned herself, and started the second pull. The second rep was slower than the primary, but she successfully locked out the rep before ending the set with a shout of pleasure. She was wearing a singlet and weightlifting belt in the course of the lifts.
Connor is a two-time IPF world champion within the 47-kilogram division, having won those championships in 2017 and 2019. She placed second to Tiffany Chapon on the 2022 edition of the competition. Her most up-to-date meet was on the 2023 AMP Classic National Championships, where she placed second to Jessica Espinal. Connor’s lifts at that meet are as follows.
Heather Connor | 2023 AMP Classic National Championships
- Squat — 137.5 kilograms (303.1 kilos)
- Bench Press — 70 kilograms (154.3 kilos)
- Deadlift — 187.5 kilograms (413.3 kilos)
- Total — 395 kilograms (870.7 kilos)
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If Connor were to win her weight class on the upcoming meet in Malta, it could be her third world championship. With 4 weeks remaining until the competition, this recent training clip may lead some powerlifting fans to consider that Connor has the potential to tug 200 kilograms (440 kilos). If she were to realize that lift, she could be the primary woman in her weight class to interrupt that barrier.
Featured Image: @heather.e.connor on Instagram