A powerlifting juggernaut, Lawrence’s massive pull might portend more greatness.
Written by Robert Zeglinski
In 2022, powerlifter Amanda Lawrence (84KG) captured her third International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championship in the last four years. The athlete won Best Overall Lifter at the 2022 Powerlifting America (AMP) Classic Open Nationals. She even notched a personal record (PR) or two in training, including a raw 249.9-kilogram (551-pound) paused deadlift PR in August 2022. In a new competitive season, it looks like Lawrence is ready to hit the ground … lifting.
During a training session on Mar. 2, 2023, Lawrence shared an Instagram video of herself capturing a raw 259-kilogram (573-pound) deadlift. According to the IPF database, the pull is just half a kilogram (1.3 pounds) off of Lawrence’s World Record of 260.5 kilograms (574.3 pounds) from the 2021 IPF World Raw Classic Powerlifting Championships. Lawrence’s deadlift does not come without a struggle, though she held the locked out position for several full seconds.
This performance could tease a potentially successful attempt at surpassing her record in the near future. Lawrence wore just a lifting belt for support. Later in the clip, the competitor is also seen completing a five-rep set with 239.9 kilograms (529 pounds) while wearing a belt and lifting straps.
Lawrence’s latest deadlift display is connected to her ongoing preparation for the 2023 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships. That contest is scheduled for Mar. 25, 2023, in Sheffield, England. It will be Lawrence’s first competitive appearance of the 2023 powerlifting season and her first since successfully defending her IPF World title in South Africa in early June 2022.
Dating back to June 2019, Lawrence has had a spotless competitive record. Between some simultaneous Junior and Open appearances, the powerlifter has won eight straight contests in the 84-kilogram division, including her three IPF World titles. She has also captured three USA Powerlifting (USAPL) National titles, with two coming as a Junior and Open competitor in 2019. The athlete won the Open USAPL National Championship in 2021.
As Lawrence prepares for the 2023 Sheffield Championships, here’s an overview of her all-time raw competition bests:
Amanda Lawrence | All-Time Raw Competition Bests
- Squat — 255.9 kilograms (564.3 pounds)
- Bench Press — 132.5 kilograms (292.1 pounds)
- Deadlift — 260.5 kilograms (574.3 pounds)
- Total — 645.9 kilograms (1,424.4 pounds)
According to Open Powerlifting, Lawrence’s top squat of 255.9 kilograms (564.3 pounds) is the second heaviest all-time in her division. Only Samantha Rice has a heavier squat of 257.5 kilograms (567.7 pounds) from the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Pro Raw Championships. In addition, her raw total of 645.9 kilograms (1,424.4 pounds) is the third-heaviest ever. Only Rice (687.4 kilograms/1,515.6 pounds) and Chakera Ingram (671 kilograms/1,479.3 pounds) have higher raw totals.
Lawrence will be joined by Jessica Buettner — the two-time reigning IPF World Champion in the 76-kilogram division — at the 2023 Sheffield Championships. While Buettner competed in the 84-kilogram category at her last contest, she will revert back to her usual 76-kilogram class.
Once Lawrence has concluded her appearance at the 2023 Sheffield Championships, she will likely turn her attention to the 2023 IPF Worlds. Those will take place on Jun 11-18, 2023, in Valletta, Malta. Should Lawrence emerge victorious, the athlete will have completed a consecutive “three-peat” and notched her fourth IPF title in half a decade. It’d be a fitting accomplishment for one of powerlifting’s biggest stars.
Featured image: @miss.amanda.ann on Instagram