Thompson’s latest lift seems to tease grand recent heights.
Most accustomed to Jen Thompson’s exploits, each within the gym and on the lifting platform, understand she’s normally prepared for greatness. In a profession spanning back almost a quarter-century, Thompson has normally stood tall atop the rostrum. Lately, the athlete seemingly has more first-place finishes than ever. For instance, between her last 16 competitive appearances since June 2021 — which sometimes featured cameos in various weight classes — Thompson has fallen short on only three occasions. If one in all her newest feats with a barbell indicates anything, the powerlifter seems inevitably due for more greatness.
On Feb. 7, 2022, Thompson shared an Instagram video of herself capturing a 147.4-kilogram (325-pound) bench press during a training session. Per a caption within the video itself, Thompson accomplished the press while weighing 144 kilos meaning, for context, the lift was 2.25 times her body weight. Such a body weight would also translate to the 67.5-kilogram division, Thompson’s usual recent category as a United States Powerlifting (USAPL) competitor. Thompson accomplished the lift wearing wrist wraps and no other supportive gear.
More from Breaking Muscle:
Thompson’s lift at her body weight might need been more notable considering what it portends for her potential competitive ambitions.
This bench press from Thompson is simply one kilogram (2.4 kilos) off her all-time raw competition best. Thompson achieved that top American Record press of 148.5 kilograms (327.4 kilos) on the 2022 USAPL Carolina Primetime contest during a third-place performance within the 75-kilogram weight class.
After noting the benefit with which Thompson completes this press, it seems likely she’ll only add to her best soon. Per the caption of the post, Thompson in planning to compete on the Arnold Sports Festival, March 2-5, where she seems to need to the potential to interrupt her own record.
As for official record marks, Thompson holds the bench press World Record in each the 60-kilogram and 67.5-kilogram categories. Thompson pressed 136.9 kilograms (300.9 kilos) on the 2012 North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Raw Challenge for the 60-kilogram mark. Meanwhile, the athlete scored a 144.4-kilogram (318.5-pound) bench press for the 67.5-kilogram record. On an International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) scale, within the IPF’s 69-kilogram weight classes, Thompson possesses the IPF World Record of 144 kilograms (317.4 kilos). She achieved this record amidst a second-place performance on the 2017 IPF Reykjavík International Games.
More from Breaking Muscle:
According to how her recent competitive pursuits have gone, 2023 may be one other notable 12 months for Thompson. If the athlete is already dropping not-so-subtle hints of what she’s able to the gym, one other record may soon be added to her resume.
Featured image: @jenthompson132 on Instagram