Orhii closed 2022 with quite the highlight performance.
In powerlifting’s current constellation of strength superstars, it’s hard to get much of any bigger than Russel Orhii. The former two-time International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World champion (2019, 2021) is known for the extraordinary once he gets a loaded barbell of any kind within his well-callused hands. His latest flourish of power on a platform might be his likely best yet.
On Dec. 17, 2022, during the 2022 USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Korea Winter Showdown, Orhii put on a virtuoso performance when he captured a raw total of 885.2 kilograms (1,951.1 pounds). According to a caption from Orhii’s post about the sanctioned powerlifting meet, that total from Seoul, South Korea, is an all-time competition personal record (PR). Notably, the athlete moved up to the 90-kilogram weight class for the first time in his career during the contest and still flourished in his eventual first-place result while notching the highest total for any 90-kilogram powerlifter during the 2022 competitive year.
Here’s an overview of Orhii’s top stats at the 2022 USAPL Korea Winter Showdown, where he also attained respective PRs on the bench press (340 kilograms/749.5 pounds) and deadlift (350 kilograms/771.6 pounds) and matched his all-time best back squat of 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds).
The athlete wore a lifting belt and knee sleeves for his squat, just wrist wraps for his bench press, and completed his best deadlift utilizing only a belt.
Russell Orhii (90KG) | 2022 USAPL Korea Winter Showdown Top Stats
- Squat — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds) | Matches All-Time Raw Competition Best
- Bench Press — 340 kilograms (749.5 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
- Deadlift — 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
- Total — 885.2 kilograms (1,951.6 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
In his Instagram post, Orhii reflected on the performance and made it seem all too casual as he likely temporarily hangs up his lifting belt for the holiday season. When he returns sometime in 2023, this instance probably won’t be the last we see of Orhii shining under a bright spotlight.
“I decided to compete at 90 kilograms so I could enjoy the full Korean experience, which in turn led to me putting together a pretty good performance,” Orhii wrote. ” … The love and hospitality here in Korea have been absolutely insane. I’m truly grounded to see the outreach powerlifting has across the world, and I’m thankful to be able to inspire others to pick up the sport. This was such an amazing and unique experience that I’ll never forget. Thank you.”
Featured image: @russwole on Instagram
