MFPer Sets World Bench Press Record

So yesterday was my tenth powerlifting competition, the fourth as bench only. 100% Raw federation, 82.5kg weight class, submaster - 35-39 years old. Weighed in the night before at 81.5, easily making weight, and set my opener at 72.5kg.

It was chosen because it had been my opener at APU provincials 7 weeks ago, and even training through like my coach had me do, I knew I could do it easily enough. Warmups went perfectly, everything was feeling fantastic. Set up on the platform for 72.5, and it felt like I had air in my hands - the weight just flew up on me.

Quick little conversation with my coach, and we agreed on 78kg for my second. The world record was 77.5, and I only needed to break it by .5kg. Because there were only three of us doing bench only, they put us in with the ladies doing three lift, and it was a full flight of 14, meaning lots of rest time. Sat down and relaxed with my teammates, and mentally got ready. I had hit 77.5 on the platform at provincials and I knew I had 78, just needed to stay calm. Again, the weight came up easy.

Chose 80 for my third, again with my coaches input. Waiting is the hardest part - the first couple minutes are welcome but then you get eager to lift. I just tried to stay relaxed and in my body, not letting my brain nitpick away at technique. 80 came up a lot easier on the platform than it has in the gym, although it was clear that my triceps were fatiguing. No real surprise given that my last training session on Thursday involved a triceps beat down courtesy of narrow grip bench and floor press volume work.

Since Raw allows fourth attempts for records as long as you lift clean on your third, I got a fourth. Coach had me go to 81, the table was surprised that we didn't go for more, but I listened to my coach. It turned out that I had more in me, as 81 wasn't even close to being a grinder, but unfortunately wasn't caught on video.

And Saint is going to have to come back and give the video links because I suck at that part. At least I can bench though.

Amazing!! Congratulations and bloody well done on your hard work!!!

Amazing! Congratulations on your record!

I think I may say 'well done'
British understatement for WOW.

cheers, h.

Well done

Omfg that's bleeping awesome!!!!! Congrats!!!!! :happydance:

I need to find a wife with @Iron_Miss_Canada mentality. This is an amazing thing to put on the lifting resume.

Well done!

Awesome! Congratulations! Here's to breaking the record again at your 11th competition

@beatua1 @Alatariel75 @mochapygmy @camilacreme @middlehaitch @AsISmile @rabbitjb @JaneiR36 @DavPul @KarenJanine @mrsfitzyv8 @HappyCampr1 @zyxst @mrsbaldee @msf74 - Thank you all!

@yopeeps025 - you can try, but most people have issues with the 12ish hours in the gym a week
@JoRocka - Thank you! I've been spending a lot of time working on staying out of my head on the heavier lifts, and feeling the difference when I just let my body do its thing was amazing.
@McCloud33 - this ones not getting touched until at least January. Next comp I'm just waiting to see which one of two it's going to be, but it's definitely going to be a CPU/IPF meet. And the records there are a lot higher but I'll never stop working towards them.

That's awesome! Way to go!

Congrats!!!

Very impressive lifts and congratulations on the record.

Shoot, here I was just happy I got out of bed this morning and here you are going all beast mode.

Congrats! Your hard work has definitely paid off.