On August 15, 2022, during a training session posted to Instagram, powerlifter Joe Sullivan accomplished a 372.4-kilogram (821-pound) raw back squat. In an illustration of Sullivan’s strength progress in recent times, the figure is only one pound off Sullivan’s former world record within the 100-kilogram division from 2020.
Maybe even more impressively, it’s just 7.6 kilograms (16.7 kilos) off the present 100-kilogram raw world record — which Sullivan still possesses. The athlete notched that record with a 380-kilogram (837.7-pound) squat on the 2021 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) The Bucked Up Showdown.
Sullivan wore a lifting belt, lifting straps, and knee sleeves to realize this latest showcase of his leg strength. Test it out below:
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In accordance with the caption in Sullivan’s Instagram post, this squat training is a component of his preparation for the upcoming 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Pro Raw Championships. That contest will happen on September 24 in Kansas City, MO.
As Sullivan explains, he’s excited to succeed in recent heights as a world-class powerlifter.
“It’s all the time a matter of execution, and there are various more days between now and the USPA Pro meet on September 24, but I’m in an excellent position to push that all-time world record higher and solidify my place on the table.”
History in Context
Sullivan has not competed in an official meet for the reason that 2021 WRPF The Bucked Up Showdown last September. Notably, in recent months, the athlete went for the 525-pound squat AMRAP (as many reps as possible) — inspired by 1980 Mr. Universe and bodybuilding legend Tom Platz. (Note: Sullivan’s attempt in early June 2022 fell just short at 24 reps).
Still, roughly a yr later, it appears Sullivan gained more leg power and strength as he prepares to increase his world record squat. For context, here’s how his current raw world record within the 100-kilogram division compares to his peers in the identical category:
All-Time Heaviest Raw Squats | Men’s 100KG
- Joe Sullivan — 380 kilograms (837.7 kilos) | 2021 WRPF The Showdown
- Amit Sapir — 372.5 kilograms (821.2 kilos) |2015 United Powerlifting Association (UPA) Power Weekend
- Kevin Oak — 367.5 kilograms (810.2 kilos) | 2016 Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF) Reebok Record Breakers
On the time of this writing, meaning Sullivan holds a 7.5-kilogram (16.5-pound) lead over the subsequent best competitor. Should he successfully break his record next month, that gap may only widen.
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A Sterling Resume
So far, Sullivan has won gold in 12 of 18 powerlifting meets during his profession. He has missed the rostrum on just 4 occasions. With this stellar precedent in mind, it won’t be outlandish to suggest excellent upcoming individual results (potentially including a recent world record) at his forthcoming competition.
The 2022 USPA Pro Raw Championships will occur on September 24 in Kansas City, MO.
Featured image: @joesullivan_aod on Instagram