The Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen, VA served as the venue for Powerlifting United’s (PLU) American Pro on August 7th and 8th. The first day of the American Pro was an “Open Day,” meaning that any PLU member could register to compete. Saturday, August 8th was the Invitational Day that included 28 of the best powerlifters in the world stepping onto the platform to attempt breaking records and earning part of the $25,000 purse that was on the line.
Best Lifter Winners
Women’s Best Lifter – Brittany Bowles
Brittany Bowles earned Best Lifter honors on the women’s side of the stage thanks to her 215-kilogram (474-pound) squat, 137.5-kilogram (303-pound) bench press, and 228.5-kilogram (504-pound) deadlift. Her 581-kilogram (1,281-pound) total makes her the new all-time world record holder for the total in the 60-kilogram (132-pound) division. Bowles 646.109 DOTS score, which used gender, bodyweight, age, and weight lifted to determine an overall score was not only the best on her side of the platform but one point better than the male winner.
Men’s Best Lifter – John Haack
Many lifters and fans see John Haack as one of the greatest powerlifters of all time, and some put him at the very top of that list. Haack entered the 100-kilogram (220-pound) division and scored his own world record total with 1,044-kilograms (2,302-pound) total. His day included a 380-kilogram (838-pound) squat, a 265-kilogram (584-pound) bench, and a 399-kilogram (880-pound) deadlift. He attempted 420 kilograms (926 pounds) for his final lift but came up just short of lockout.
Notable Athletes and Lifts
Marina Castillo Pardo – 227.5-kg Squat
Marina Castillo Pardo, who competed in the 67.5-kilogram class, took second overall in the Best Lifter rankings but had the best squat for all women on the day with an incredible 227.5-kilogram (501-pound) lift. That is now the all-time world record for her division. Pardo added a 105-kilogram bench and 225-kilogram deadlift to complete her total of 557.5-kilograms.
Leonetta Richardson – 232.5-kg Deadlift
Leonetta Richardson is recognized as a powerlifting pioneer and legend for her over 25 years in the sport. The veteran of the platform once again showed why she is so revered by scoring a 232.5-kilogram (512.6-pound) deadlift, which was the top for the day.
Kalil Zaky – 418-kilogram Deadlift
The audience may have been the loudest for Kalil Zaky, who is trying to reach his personal summit of a 1,000-pound deadlift. Zaky took another step towards that mountaintop by breaking the world record for 110-kilogram lifters by pulling up 418-kilograms (921.5 pounds) and yelling to the crowd while holding the lockout that led to three white lights from the referees.
Christian Aquino – 9 for 9 Performance
Christian Aquino was the only lifter in the Men’s top 10 to complete all nine attempts throughout the three lifts. His 9-for-9 day was highlighted by a 315-kilogram (694.5-pound) squat and deadlift as well as a 215-kilogram (474-pound) bench press for a total of 845 kilograms (1,863 pounds).
Open Day Recap
The Open Day of the American Pro featured over 65 lifters across all divisions, who were in Richmond to showcase their skills to the audience in attendance and viewers watching on the livestreams (all of which are available for replay on PLU’s YouTube channel.
Women’s Best Lifter honors went to Catalina Pineda, who totaled 447.5 kilograms (986.7 pounds) in the 60-kilogram class, while Aybars Gungor took gold on the men’s side with a total of 770 kilograms (1,697 pounds). The Best Lifter awards for Tested lifters went to Biancy Eli (women) and Tray Jones (men), respectively. Eli totaled 441.5 kilograms (973.5 pounds) while Jones left the platform with 940 kilograms (2,047 pounds) to his credit.
Full results of all lifters can be seen on LiftingCast. To learn more about Powerlifting United and future events, go to their website.