Sullivan’s leg power is literally unmatched by his peers.
Written by Robert Zeglinski
At times, Joe Sullivan seemingly expands what should be possible for anyone on the mortal plane. He resembles more of a powerlifting powerhouse than a mere human being with ridiculous strength. The powerlifting dynamo once again showed why in his latest competitive appearance.
On Mar. 25, 2023, during the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Metroflex Battle for the Yard 8, Sullivan scored a 386-kilogram (850.9-pound) raw back squat while wearing a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps. For Sullivan, who competed in the 100-kilogram weight class, the mark is an all-time World Record in his weight class. According to Open Powerlifting, Sullivan’s successful lift surpassed his own previous record milestone of 384.9 kilograms (848.7 pounds) from the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Pro Raw Championships.
Here’s an overview of Sullivan’s top stats from the WRPF Metroflex Battle for the Yard 8. His total for the competition is a personal all-time raw best. The athlete wore a belt and wrist wraps for his bench press and just a belt for his deadlift:
Joe Sullivan (100KG) | Top Stats WRPF Metroflex Battle for the Yard 8
- Squat — 386 kilograms (850.9 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record
- Bench Press — 225 kilograms (496 pounds)
- Deadlift — 327.5 kilograms (722 pounds)
- Total — 938 kilograms (2068 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
The video of Sullivan’s record squat, shared on his Instagram, drew a round of widespread virtual applause from various strength and fitness icons. There were powerlifters Denise Herber, Chad Penson, Ernie Lilliebridge Jr., Nabil Lahlou, Phillip Herndon, and Ashley Contorno. Even bodybuilder and perennial Mr. Olympia contender Hunter Labrada chimed in.
It seems when a powerlifter outdoes their record best, all eyes will be on their massive achievement.
Sullivan’s World Record squat completes a banner month, of sorts, for the athlete. In mid-March 2023, the powerlifter recorded a long-awaited raw deadlift personal record (PR) of 345 kilograms (760.6 pounds) after sustaining an apparent serious nerve injury roughly six years prior. Everything is seemingly coming up Sullivan, but then again, it usually seems to.
After eclipsing his own squat World Record, Sullivan could theoretically hang up his belt and wrist wraps and call it a successful 2023. However, something says this powerful monster isn’t done adding fresh strength “trophies” to his mantel this year.
Featured image: @joesullivan_aod on Instagram
About Robert Zeglinski
Robert is a seasoned and adept editor and writer with a keen, passionate penchant for the writing craft. He’s been a leader in newsrooms such as SB Nation, USA TODAY, and WBBM Newsradio, with various other content and art production teams, and first made a name for himself in his hometown of Chicago. When not knee-deep in research or lost in a stream of consciousness for a thorough piece, you can find Robert inhaling yet another novel, journaling his heart out, or playing with his Shiba Inu, Maximus (Max, for short).