The 2023 IPF Classic & Equipped Bench Press World Championships took place in Sun City, South Africa, from May 20th to 27th, with many Powerlifting America athletes bringing back medals.
On the Men’s Raw Open team, Kaden Hush took home gold in the 120kg open class, finishing with a successful third attempt of 237.5kg (523 lbs). In the Sub-Junior class, James Kellerman put up 175kg (385 lbs) in the 105kg class to claim a first-place podium finish. Over in the Masters 1 83kg class, Jonathan Losa set a new world record bench press at 201kg (443lbs). Chris Walter (M2 – 105kg), Steve Edwards (M3 – 66kg), and James Ray (M3 – 120+ kg) also came away victorious in their respective classes with a first-place finish. On the Women’s Raw team, Sub-Junior lifter Amelia Gercken emerged victorious in the 76kg class with a 72.5kg (159lb) bench press.
Moving to the Equipped teams, 93kg open lifter Adam Momola put up 295kg (650lbs) for the gold medal, narrowly missing his third attempt of 322.5kg (710lbs). The USA was also able to grab gold in the M2 105kg class and M3 74kg class thanks to the efforts of William Thacker (252.5kg/556lbs) and Michael Rodriguez (157.5kg/347lbs), respectively.
Congratulations to all the amazing athletes who represented Powerlifting America and the USA at this annual world competition.