Lehew appears primed for private milestones this yr.
Blake Lehew has been a fixture in powerlifting for years. A former USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Juniors uncooked Nationwide Champion (2016) within the 74-kilogram weight class, Lehew now dominates at 82.5 kilograms. A stellar efficiency on the World Uncooked Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) American Professional, the place the athlete attained the all-time heaviest whole of 930-kilogram (2,050.3-pound), says as a lot. Judging by the newest replace on his coaching progress, Lehew appears poised for much more pending greatness.
On Feb. 26, 2023, Lehew posted an Instagram video the place he efficiently pulled a 385-kilogram (848-pound) beltless deadlift. The powerlifter accomplished his pull from a sumo stance with a standard grip, and he stated he weighed 190 kilos on the time of the raise. What’s extra, in keeping with Open Powerlifting, the deadlift matches Lehew’s all-time uncooked competitors greatest, additionally achieved on the newest American Professional.
“I consider the belt is a factor of the previous for deadlifts.”
The beltless pull apart, Lehew had nothing else adorned to help with the feat. He leaned totally on his power to succeed in the lockout place.
The principle advantage of a lifting belt is that it supplies a inflexible floor to brace in opposition to. Bracing is whenever you inhale to increase your total core — entrance to again — for spinal stability and help. Your core is the middle of your total physique; whether it is free throughout a raise, your type will disintegrate.
Take Lehew’s deadlift for example. His again would spherical and fold below the bar’s weight if he did not brace correctly. Elite lifters like Lehew have mastered their bracing approach. Nonetheless, belts provide help to brace tighter than you can should you weren’t carrying one, which is why Lehew’s beltless 385-kilogram pull is so spectacular. Whereas it’s not totally correct to say he may pull extra if he had been carrying a belt, it’s clear that Lehew is strengthening his core and optimizing his approach — two components that do add as much as a stronger general deadlift.
What’s Subsequent for Lehew?
Within the caption of Lehew’s publish, he alludes to an impending competitors on his calendar. He has been hinting at these plans because the begin of 2023. On the time of this writing, it’s unclear which contest he’s referring to, as he has not supplied specifics on his social media platforms. The “six weeks out” reference would line up with a date someday round Easter Weekend 2023 in early April.
Provided that Lehew has primarily featured as a WRPF and United States Powerlifting Affiliation competitor currently, there are a selection of prospects.
Per the WRPF 2023 occasions calendar, there’s the WRPF Face Off on April 2, the Drug Examined Out For Blood 2, the Southwest Showdown, and the Conflict for the Valley on April 15. Based on the USPA 2023 occasions calendar, the one date and contest roughly matching Lehew’s timeline is the 2023 USA Powerlifting Battle at Bionic Barbell on April 2.
Whichever occasion Lehew finally ends up that includes in quickly, it appears obvious he’ll be prepared so as to add one other illustrious accomplishment to his resume. He ought to in all probability anticipate nothing much less as considered one of powerlifting’s present stronger stars.
Featured picture: @deadliftingorangutan on Instagram
