Donnie Thompson traveled from South Carolina to York Barbell Company for the 2010 IPA World Powerlifting Championships determined to break his hard sought after goal of breaking his All-Time Record of 2905 with a mind bending 3000 lb. total. Donnie says he had a great training cycle, and was in good shape to tackle the lofty goal. The mountain of a man weighed-in at 374 lbs.
Donnie opened with a powerful 1,160 lb. squat. The attempt was solidly strong, but earned him red lights for depth. Apparently as planned, Donnie jumped his second attempt to 1225 lbs. He had a little difficulty setting up with the weight having to reset three times before taking 1225 down for another strong attempt, but was called for depth again.To break Vlad Alhazov's All-Time Squat Record of 1250, Donnie called for 1255 lbs. on his third attempt. After supporting 1,100 plus pounds on his back 5 times, Donnie amazingly took the 1255 lbs. down with authority, completing the attempt, but was called for depth. Judges say his 1255 lb. squat was closest to legal depth.
Donnie is a fine individual and an exceptional diplomat for the sport. We hope his threats to retire from powerlifting will be reconsidered.
Dan Kovaks took off his gear and lifted impressively in the 308 lb. Professional Men's Raw Division. A fantastic day of lifting culminated with a huge 825 lb. dead lift that resulted in a biceps tear.Weighing in at 307.5, Dan squatted 665 lbs., trying a fourth attempt IPA Record of 728.6 lbs. unsuccessfully. One of Dan's goals for this meet was to beat Ted Arcidi's 666 lb. raw bench. He came darn close with an impressive 635 lb. IPA record bench. Dan continued to prove he is an exceptional deadlifter pulling a huge 825 lbs. Dan took 752.5 lbs. on his opening attempt successfully breaking the IPA record. His second attempt with 800 lbs. was equally impressive, breaking his newly set record. Dan rounded out his day with a picture-perfect 825 lb. pull that upon completion the lift resulted in a tragic biceps tear for Dan.
Dan is an exciting lifter to watch. His intensity and demeanor is palpable. We wish him a speedy recovery. Dan won one of the three Grand Champion Awards.
Famed for his SHW All-Time Squat Record of 1250 lbs. Vlad Alhazov proved that he is on the track to a full recovery after his devastating knee injury two years ago pulling 860 lbs.
We were proud to welcome Vlad Alhazov, All-Time Squat Record Holder (1,250 lbs.), to his first meet in two years since his devastating knee injury. Weighing 333.4 lbs., Vlad lifted Raw and entered the dead lift only division. Vlad proved that he is on the speedy track to full recovery pulling 860 lbs. Vlad is such an impressive lifter; we look forward to his posting big numbers again in the near future.
At only 19-years-old 167 lbs. Darilyn Doddy won the Women's Teen Best Lifter Award with a tremendous 380 lb. bench press.
Tim Hensley benched a huge IPA Record of 685 lbs. at 191 lbs. bodyweight becoming the best lifter in the Amateur Men’s Open Division. Tim nearly managed 715 lbs. on his third and fourth attempts
Always an exciting bencher, Vincent Dizenzo benched 730 lbs. at 242 lbs. body weight breaking the IPA record.
Kevin Baughman was one of only three exceptional lifters to receive the custom Grand Champion ring awarded to the overall best lifter in the Pro Men’s Open Division.
Beth Poplin earned her Grand Champion Award through pure grit pulling out a 345 lb. squat, 245 lb. bench and 350 lb. pull at a mere 129 lbs. bodyweight.
Clint Koser dropped the powerlifting gear and opted for a strongman challenge. In his first strongman show, Clint won the overall 220 lb. class winning the 18” deadlift for reps., the keg carry, frame carry, and stone carry.Article by, Ellen Chaillet
Images Courtesy of Charles Venturella
