On Sept. 24, 2022, during the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Raw Pro in North Kansas City, MO, Jamal Browner successfully locked out a raw 455-kilogram (1,003-pound) deadlift. The mark extends Browner’s own World Record in the 110-kilogram division by 14.4 kilograms (31.9 pounds). He is the second-ever men’s athlete to deadlift at least 1,000 pounds in a full raw powerlifting meet, after Danny Grigsby, who notched the feat in late March 2022.
By the end of the competition, in a first-place performance, Browner’s staggering pull helped him set an all-time raw World Record total of 1,052.5 kilograms (2,320.45 pounds) in the 110-kilogram class. He surpassed Derek Thistlethwaite, who initially leaped over Browner for the record with a 1,002.4-kilogram (2,210.1-pound) total from the 2022 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) American Pro. Browner used a sumo stance and wore just a lifting belt to help him with his deadlift accomplishment. He also used the uncomfortable but effective hook grip, sandwiching each thumb between his fingers and the barbell, for reinforced grip strength:
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Browner did almost further extend his record with a 467.2 kilogram (1,030-pound) third deadlift attempt but could not successfully finish the lockout. In addition to his total World Record and extension of the 110-kilogram division’s all-time deadlift figure, Browner scored personal competition bests on his back squat and bench press.
Here’s a rundown of the athlete’s complete performance from the 2022 USPA Raw Pro:
Jamal Browner (110KG) | 2022 USPA Raw Pro Top Stats
- Squat — 370 kilograms (815.8 pounds) | Personal Competition Best
- Bench Press — 227.5 kilograms (501.6 pounds) | Personal Competition Best
- Deadlift — 455 kilograms (1,003 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record
- Total — 1,052.5 kilograms (2,320.45 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record
His World Records aside, Browner has been in pursuit of the 1,000-pound deadlift in a sanctioned meet for some time. The powerlifter has captured pulls of at least 1,000 pounds in past training sessions, but he never managed the achievement in an official competitive capacity. That is until now.
Here’s an overview of some of Browner’s noteworthy career results:
Jamal Browner | Notable Career Results
- 2017 North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Arnold A7 Bar Grip Raw Pro Challenge (Juniors/Open/Raw) — First place
- 2018 USPA North American Championships (Open/Raw) — First place
- 2020 WRPF Hybrid Showdown II (Open/Raw) — First place
- 2021 WRPF Hybrid Showdown III (Open/Raw) — First place
- 2021 WRPF The Bucked Up Showdown (Open/Raw) — First place
- 2022 USPA Hybrid Showdown 4 (Open/Raw) — First place
- 2022 USPA Raw Pro (Open/Raw) — First place
In a Sept. 27, 2022, video on his YouTube channel that appeared to be recorded during the 2022 USPA Raw Pro, Browner reflected on his overall performance.
“I beat the old [110-kilogram weight class] record by over 40 kilograms, so it should be out of reach for now,” said a beaming Browner. “My deadlift held up, my hands are good, no rips, no tears. I’m happy. I still want more, but I’m happy. I’m content. For now.”
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Browner hasn’t announced plans for his next competition at the time of this writing but did note that he would be “back to work” soon in his latest video. Whatever one of powerlifting’s superstars has in store next, it’s likely to be another eye-opening performance.
Featured image: @jamal_b15 on Instagram
