The experienced powerlifter performed yet one more impressive lift.

Written by Roger Lockridge Last updated on July 3, 2023

11-time International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Champion Jen Thompson celebrated her fiftieth birthday on June 27, 2023. To mark the milestone birthday, Thompson posted a video on her Instagram page showcasing a bench press of 145.1 kilograms (320 kilos). Within the video, Thompson clarified that her body weight was 65.3 kilograms (144 kilos), making the lift greater than 2.2-times her body weight.

Once her spotter helped her unrack the barbell, Thompson lowered the bar to her chest. After a temporary pause in the underside position, she began the press. The barbell slowly went up, nevertheless it never stalled. Once she reached the highest of the press, the barbell was returned to the rack.

The one equipment Thompson wore was a pair of wrist wraps. Within the video, she embedded text noting that that the burden was “6.4 times” her age. She also shared her experience in the game as a option to encourage her 116,000 followers.

“I’ve been competing in powerlifting since 1999. Still going strong. It doesn’t matter how old you might be. You may construct strength and live a protracted healthy life by the alternatives you make.”

In accordance with Open Powerlifting, Thompson holds the all-time world record on the bench within the Women’s 60-kilogram category with a lift of 300.9 kilos. She set that mark in 2012 on the North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Raw Challenge. In March 2023, Thompson set the 67.5-kilogram, Masters 40-49 all-time world record with a bench press of 146 kilograms (321.8 kilos) on the USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Arnold Pro Series Finals in Columbus, OH. That lift can be an all-time record in all age categories as well.

Thompson’s best-ever bench in competition is 148.5 kilograms (327.4 kilos), which is a record within the Women’s 75-kilogram, Masters 45-49 division. She performed it on the 2022 USAPL Carolina Primetime meet.

Thompson isn’t the one experienced powerlifter that marks their birthday with a signature lift. 70-74 Masters powerlifter Rudy Kadlub performs a giant deadlift every 12 months on his birthday. In April 2023, he marked his 74th birthday with a deadlift of 237.7 kilograms (524 kilos) for a double. 

As of this writing, there isn’t a word on Thompson’s next planned meet. When she does compete again, it should be the primary time that she is eligible to enter within the Masters 50-54 category.

Featured Image: @jenthompson132 on Instagram