Tag: nEWS
Alexis Maher Sets New IPF World Record In 74kg Division With 329kg Deadlift
Alexis Maher set a new world record by less than a kilogram.
The 2021 International Powerlifting Federation World Open Championships have just one day left of competition. An event that began on Nov. 8 will wrap up on Saturday after what was a week of exciting events and big-time performances. Alexis Maher was one of the highlights of the show by setting a new IPF equipped world record with a 329kg (729.3lb) deadlift.
Maher stepped up to the barbell wearing a single-ply suit and a lifting belt. He locked in his grip and slowly lifted the weight in the air until he was able to clinch the record. Maher performed the lift with perfect form. The full video can be seen on the IPF Powerlifting Instagram page.
“World Record Deadlift with 329 kg by Alexis Maher ISV in 74 kg class
#ipf #world #deadlift #record#ipfopenworlds@ipfopenworlds2021“
Alexis Maher was able to top a world record that stood for three years. Kjell Egil Bakkelund set the previous mark of 328.5kg (724.2lb) during the 2018 IPF World Open Championships. Maher was able to set a new record by half a kilogram. Maher might have set a new record in IPF but this was not his heaviest deadlift to date.
During the 2021 USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals, Maher completed a 331kg (729.1lb) deadlift, which was the third-heaviest lift in the division. Maher finished with a gold medal during the event and is continuing to improve from here.
In the 74kg division, Darimin Sahroni holds the all-time world record of 333.5kg (735.2lb). Sergei Gaishinetc is second at 332.5kg (733lb).
Alexis Maher also holds the second heaviest raw deadlift of 347.5kg (766.1lb). This was accomplished during the 2021 United States Powerlifting Association Top of Texas Trifecta. This lift was completed in January and it began quite a year for Maher. It is not over yet as there is still some time left at the World Open Championships.
Maher has become a force in powerlifting and it is because of his big numbers seen performing deadlifts. Heading into 2022, Maher could have a chance to set some new world records and continue to improve his skills. This year has been a breakout for Maher and it will be exciting to see where he goes from here.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Bev Francis Competes in First Powerlifting Contest in 36 Years, Sets 6 World Records
Bev Francis made her return to powerlifting at the age of 66, setting 6 new world records.
Women’s Bodybuilding and powerlifting legend Bev Francis has made a return to action. Bev competed at a meet for Powerlifting Australia in the 65-69 year old division. In her return to powerlifting, Bev crushed 6 world records in a impressive showing.
Lifting at an advanced age can be a real challenge. While it’s not completely out of the question, being able to lift heavy weight over 60 can be a risky proposition. That is unless you’ve been taking care of your health and lifting consistently for years.
For those veteran lifters, advanced age may slow them down but not completely halt their abilities. Veteran lifters are able perform lifts the average person their age would find ludicrous to even consider. But recently veteran powerlifter and bodybuilder Bev Francis proved exactly why a veteran lifter can maintain their strength over the age of 60.
Bev Francis has become well known for her gym known by many as the East Coast Mecca. But before she was known for having one of the most popular gyms on the planet, Bev was a high level powerlifting and bodybuilding competitor. She was able to take second place at the 1990 and 1991 Olympia. Bev also won numerous gold medals in powerlifting during he tenure from 1980-1985.
Now after a 36 year hiatus, Bev Francis decided to once again compete in powerlifting. It’s clear from her performance that she didn’t disappoint.
In her return to the powerlifting arena Bev Francis set 6 new world records. She broke the bench press, deadlift (twice), the squat (twice), and overall total as well. Bev proved that at 66 years old she still have plenty left in the tank. The records are as follows:
Squat: 209lb (95kg) New World Record
Bench Press: 132lb (60kg) New World Record
Deadlift: 264lb (120kg) New World Record
Total: 605lb (275kg) New World Record
Below is video of Bev Francis crushing these records and looking like a total powerhouse in the process.
Bev Francis proved that she’s still got it at 66 years old. Age truly is nothing but a number and Bev epitomized that fact perfectly with her return to the powerlifting world.
What are your thoughts on Bev Francis setting 6 new world records in her return to powerlifting?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Nick Best Crushes A 500-Pound Deadlift For 50 Total Reps At 53 Years Old
Strongman Nick Best completed five sets of 10 reps and made it look easy.
Age, injuries, heavy deadlifts — nothing matters for Nick Best and he showed that in a recent social media post.
The 53-year-old strongman shared a video on Monday to Instagram to display five different videos. In each one, Best stands over 500 pounds and completes a deadlift set of 10 reps. In total, Best completed 50 reps while barefoot and wearing a lifting belt and straps. Not only did Best complete the reps all together, but he made it look easy each time.
“500lb Deadlifts for 50 reps! 5 set of 10 reps at 53! Age is just a number!”
Nick Best is coming off an injury he suffered during the 2021 Kern Open. Best attempted what would have been a world record deadlift of 370kg (815.7lb) and suffered a torn tendon in his left lat. Best was competing in the Masters Over 50 division at the event and ended up placing third. It is not surprising to see Best recover as quickly as he did and get back to lifting heavy weight.
Since making his debut in 1991, Best has been a big name in powerlifting. He earned a gold medal during his first competition at the 1991 United States Powerlifting Federation. He has appeared in a total of 27 sanctioned meets and has 17 victories. This includes a win at the 1996 World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation World Championships. In over three decades, Best has only missed the podium five times.
Best has competed at the World’s Strongest Man competition 10 times. His highest finish came in 2010 when he placed sixth overall. He also has two second-place finishes at the Giants Live Australia and a bronze medal at the 2007 America’ Strongest Man competition.
This incredible set of deadlifts is not the first time Best has used social media to update on his strength.
“425lb Bench Press and 25 Dips were 2 of the highlights from today’s Chest and Triceps workout! The triceps are really starting to fire again. Next goal is 450lbs by the end of December! Keep working back methodically! Patients is the key!”
Nick Best has been determined through his rehab process from injury and now is on to moving some big weight again. It is only a matter of time before he takes home another victory in competition.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2021 Natural Olympia Preview: Competitors To Watch
Here is a preview of the upcoming 2021 Natural Olympia.
The 2021 Natural Olympia has arrived. The competition will take place from Nov. 11-14 at the Golden Nuggets Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Competitors will be battling for up to $100,000 in cash and prizes.
This is a natural show which means that there are some differences from the IFBB shows. The biggest distinction when it comes to judging is the size of the athletes. There is not as much muscle mass for natural athletes as opposed to IFBB competitors, specifically Men’s Open. Despite the difference in size, athletes compete in similar categories.
In the Men’s Physique division, competitors perform bodybuilding poses and a T-walk. The judges have to adjust because the muscle mass is smaller despite the level of conditioning remaining high. Athletes can qualify for the Natural Olympia by competing in one PNBA competition. This has to be a professional show and they do not need to win a specific placing.
The Men’s Open division is the highlight of the show and Philip Ricardo Jr. is one of the competitors to watch heading into the competition. He won the 2019 Natural Olympia title and will look to bring his title back this year. Ricardo Jr. recently finished fourth at the Mr. America 2021 competition and he believes this will help him during the Natural Olympia.
Ricardo Jr. recently took part in an exclusive interview with Generation Iron. He plained that it was a last-minute decision to enter Mr. America. Despite his fourth-place finish, Ricardo Jr. believes this was an effective strategy in preparing for the Natural Olympia. Ricardo Jr. will be one of the favorites to win the competition, especially with defending champion Meshack Ochieng not taking place during the event.
The Men’s Physique division will have no shortage of champions. The gold medal winners from the previous four years will be back on stage competing against each other. Jon Tsui is the defending champion and will have a chance to make it two in a row. Back in July, Tsui was named as an INBA PNBA Natural Bodybuilding Hall of Fame inductee.
Joseph Ortiz will also return to the stage, along with the 2018 champion Colin Congo. William Long won Men’s Physique at the Natural Olympia in 2017 and he is the fourth gold-medal winner that will be present. This makes for an exciting competition in this division.
The intrigue of a natural bodybuilding show is to see the physique of athletes in a different way than the IFBB. With the athletes set to make an appearance, the show in Las Vegas should be another great one as natural bodybuilding continues to grow.
This is a sport that has been growing in recent years and it is because of competitions such as this one. It began with the Mr. America show and will continue at the Natural Olympia.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Derek Lunsford: “Phil Heath Is The Greatest Bodybuilder Of All Time”
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Derek Lunsford opens up about who inspired him in bodybuilding and why he thinks Phil Heath is the number one greatest of all time.
Derek Lunsford skyrocketed into the spotlight this year with an epic victory at the Men’s 212 Olympia. The division was one of the most competitive categories of the event – making his victory that much more exciting. We had an opportunity to speak with Lunsford following his big win and asked him about his biggest influences that inspired his physique. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Derek Lunsford explains how Phil Heath inspired his career and why he believes Heath is the greatest bodybuilder of all time.
Ronnie Coleman. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Lee Haney. These are legendary bodybuilder names that are often in contention for the greatest of all time in the sport. Phil Heath, a seven time Mr. Olympia champion himself, is often in the mix. But perhaps due to Heath being a relatively recent athlete – many do not cement him above the these legends that came before. There is a strong argument for claiming Phil Heath is one of the best of all time but there has not yet been the time yet to let it all sink in.
However, Derek Lunsford has no qualms calling Phil Heath the greatest bodybuilder that ever lived. Even compared to the likes of legends such as Ronnie Coleman or Dorian Yates – for Lunsford it’s all about Heath. During our recent video conversation after his big Olympia win, Lunsford explains how Heath inspired his career.
Derek Lunsford is a young bodybuilder and part of the new generation of athletes coming into the spotlight. So it might make you feel old to hear that Lunsford was inspired by Phil Heath and the original Generation Iron film growing up. Everything from Heath’s aesthetics, shape, size, and conditioning seemed like perfection to Lunsford. Heath was the pinnacle of what Lunsford wished his physique could look like.
Derek Lunsford ultimately hedged his bets on the smaller Men’s 212 division for success (though now he seems to plan to eventually move up to Men’s Open). During our interview, you could still hear the elation in his voice post-victory. In many ways, he still sees himself as a bodybuilding fan who was watching the films and looking up to Phil Heath on stage. Now he’s a champion himself.
Lunsford acknowledges that everyone will have their personal favorite. He knows that Ronnie Coleman and Arnold Schwarzenegger are both legends who changed the sport forever. But for Lunsford personally, Phil Heath changed his relationship to bodybuilding forever. At Lunsford’s age, Heath is from another era. He’s already a solidified legend separate from the competitive bodybuilding world Lunsford battles in today.
Derek Lunsford doesn’t need more time to evaluate how Phil Heath’s legacy will look as time recedes farther – he already knows everything he needs. Heath is an example of waht the perfect bodybuilder should look like as far as Lunsford is concerned. Without Phil Heath – we may not have Derek Lunsford he Men’s 212 Olympia champion that we do today.
You can watch Derek Lunsford talk in detail about Men’s Open and his bodybuilding inspirations by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Interview: The Reason Chef Rush Does 2,222 Push Ups A Day
Chef Rush does 2,222 push ups every day for Veteran suicide awareness.
Chef Andre Rush made headlines last year for being the most jacked White House chef ever seen. That might seem like an easy feat (there aren’t that many White House chefs in the world). But when you look at the man, you’ll quickly realize he might just be the most massive chef in the world. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Chef Rush explains why he does 2,222 push ups a day not for building muscle but for suicide awareness.
Chef Rush does 2,222 push ups every single day (except Saturday and Sunday). This takes him over an hour to complete each time. That sounds maddening, brutal and, for many, seemingly impossible. But Chef Rush isn’t doing this as a realistic way to build muscle. Actually he recommends against it. The real reason he dedicates himself to so many push ups a day is for suicide awareness.
Specifically, the number of push ups have a significance. They represent, according to statistics, 22 veteran suicides a day. Chef Rush has been in the military himself and served over seas. He also suffered from post traumatic stress and depression – something he admits he would have never been able to say on camera only three years ago. He had been in mental health facilities and struggled with trying to find a way to gain inner peace. He understands what many veterans (and even the broader scope of people who suffer mental health issues) goes through.
That’s why Chef Rush does 2,222 push ups a day and talks about it as much as he can. He wants to help change the way the world looks at mental health; the way the government supports veterans and suicide prevention; and hopefully show others who are suffering that they are not alone.
The 2,222 push ups are not Chef Rush’s workout. They don’t give him the massive size you see on his physique. But it’s a different kind of sacrifice he’s willing to make every day. Something for himself and for all others that are desperately seeking relief from their mental health issues in a world that often ignores them.
Check out the full GI Exclusive interview clip of Chef Rush above and make sure to stick around the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more bodybuilding exclusives and news updates!
Joe Rogan Shocked By Jujimufu’s “World’s Strongest Smelling Salts”
Joe Rogan gets the shock of his life trying out Jujimufu’s smelling salts.
Comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan recently took the challenge of trying out smelling salts. But Rogan didn’t just try out any smelling salts brand. The podcaster tried out Jujimufu’s brand of smelling salts and the experience gave him the shock of his life.
Smelling Salts. They’re a staple of powerlifting, a useful tool that help powerlifters heft a great deal of weight. It provides the extra kick necessary for a lifter to psyche themselves up before lifting an absurd amount of weight.
Unlike performance enhancers, smelling salts don’t add a specific physical edge for a lifter. Whatever strength they’ve attained during training will determine how much weight they’re able to heft in a session or a meet. But what smelling salts do provide is an extra kick that allows for more intense focus.
Not all smelling salts are created equal of course. There are many different brands to choose from. One such brand of smelling salts is created and designed by veteran powerlifter turned bodybuilder Jujimufu.
Enter Jujimufu
Known for his incredible agility and lifting abilities, Jujimufu is well versed in weight training. With tons of lifting experience under his belt you can bet that Jujimufu knows a thing or two about smelling salts. The powerlifter is so confident in his knowledge in fact that he’s created his own brand of smelling salts. One type is called “Awesome Smelling Salts”, another is called “AHHH!!! World’s Strongest Smelling Salts” the latter of which caught the attention of a well known podcaster.
Powerful Smelling Salts
In a recent episode of his podcast Joe Rogan recently tried out Jujimufu’s “AHHH!!! World’s Strongest Smelling Salts” along with his friend and fellow comedian Theo Von. What happened next was nothing short of eye opening.
Our first experience with smelling salts. The great and powerful @theovon and I took a whiff of @jujimufu’s good stuff. Shoutout to my friend @worlds_strongest_gay for the introduction to these fine olfactory stimulators. Holy shit was that intense. Full podcast available now on @spotify.
It was a real pleasure to get to hang with Theo again!
It’s clear that Jujimufu is working with some pretty powerful stuff. Joe Rogan and Theo Von were nearly floored by the smelling salts. If it’s really that potent, Jujimufu’s smelling salts could be a game changer in the weightlifting game.
Will you be trying Jujimufu’s smelling salts brand?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Victor Richards’ Daughter: “My Father Is Alive And Well”
After initial reports within the bodybuilding industry, it appears that Victor Richards is alive and well.
On Wednesday November 10th, Generation Iron Fitness Network alongside other bodybuilding outlets reported the passing of legendary bodybuilder Victor Richards. Initial reports speculated a heart attack – but no official statement or cause of death was confirmed. Generation Iron can now confirm that earlier reports of Victor Richards’ death are false. It has been confirmed by a family member that Richards is alive and well.
Victor Richards’ daughter, who preferred to remain anonymous for her and her family’s privacy, directly reached out to Generation Iron to confirm that he was still alive and well. She had spoken with Richards today – after the initial reports of his passing. She provided an official statement to Generation Iron:
“I’m pleased to assure you that my father is in fact alive and well. An inaccurate facebook post has caused a wildfire of false information throughout social media and news outlets. Thank you all for your concern, my family appreciates all of the love the bodybuilding community has shown to my dad.”
Original reports seem to stem from a tribute post released by notable bodybuilder Andreas Cahling alongside other industry reports seemingly confirming the news. At the time of Generation Iron’s original reporting – we were unable to receive confirmation from family or an official announcement from Victor Richards’ or a representative of Richards. Due to this new information confirmed by a family member – we would like to retract our original report.
Originally born in Nigeria, Richards gained a passion for bodybuilding early on in his life. He was a three-sport athlete in high school who excelled in football, wrestling, and track and field. This is when he began to improve his physique. Richards earned his pro card while in Nigeria.
Victor Richards’ competitive history began in 1982 when he entered The American Cup. He finished first in the teenage heavyweight division and second overall. Richards continued to work on his physique and by age 18, he grew to 240 pounds. Richards entered The Orange County Muscle Classic where he finished fourth. At 19 years old, Richards was becoming a well known name and that only continued as he progressed.
Victor Richards began appearing on the cover of fitness magazines at 21 years old. He carried a massive frame that weighed close to 300 pounds of solid muscle. In 1992, Richards entered the 1992 Nigerian Championships and finished in first place. This is where he earned his Pro card. Despite the achievement, Richards did not compete in the IFBB. There was a bit of resistance that kept Richards from entering an NPC competition and taking the next step toward the IFBB.
Victor Richards competed in just five competitors during his career and earned four victories. It remains a mystery why he was never able to compete in the IFBB despite earning his Pro card in Nigeria.
For more news and updates in bodybuilding and strength sports – stick around to Generation Iron Fitness Network.
Los Angeles Now Requires Proof Of Vaccine For Indoor Activities, Including Gyms
Los Angeles is tightening up on protocols as the winter months approach.
Los Angeles might not be requiring citizens to get vaccinated from COVID but there are certain ways to persuade them and this includes tightening up restrictions. On Monday, the city began a mandate where a proof of vaccination is needed to enter restaurants, movie theaters, malls, salons, and yes — gyms.
This expands on an original mandate where vaccination proof was only required when entering bars, lounges, nightclubs, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. This is now one of the nation’s strictest vaccine mandates. This means verification is required at more locations within the city’s limits that other areas.
Below, you can find a full list of indoor residents where it is necessary to show proof of vaccination.
Bars, lounges, nightclubs, breweries, wineries
Restaurants, coffee shops, food courts, banquet halls
Gyms and fitness venues
Entertainment and recreation venues like movie theaters, malls and concert venues, sports arenas, convention centers, museums, bowling alleys, arcades, card rooms, play areas
Spas, nail salons, hair salons, barbershops
City of L.A. facilities
If you are not vaccinated, you must provide a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of entering an indoor area. Patrons will bellowed to go inside briefly if they need to use the bathroom, place an order or pick up an item. A mask must be worn while performing these tasks.
Later in the month, venues will be able to issue citations to those who do not follow protocols. A fine can be as much as $1,000 for a second violation and far more for multiple violations.
According to county data, 72% of L.A. county residents 12 years of age or older have been fully vaccinated. There are many different forms of proof that can be shown.
White CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card
Yellow World Health Organization vaccine card
Documentation of vaccination from a health care provide
A California Immunization Registry vaccination card
A digital vaccination record issued by California Department of Public Health
A digital vaccination record from an approved company like Healthvana, Carbon Health, CommonPass, CLEAR Health Pass or VaxYes.
When the mandate was passed, it was said that this was not a way to force patrons to get vaccinated in Los Angeles. They believe that if they do not want to get the vaccine, there are certain rules that must be followed. For those who do not want to receive the shot, this seems like it is going to be difficult to enter indoor areas.
Ultimately, this is the goal and Los Angeles has been tightening up in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see if there is a change in vaccination numbers or if any further protocols are coming from L.A.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Flex Wheeler Released Form Hospital, Discusses Battle With COVID-19
Legendary bodybuilder details battle with COVID-19 after released from hospital.
It was not an easy road for Flex Wheeler but the bodybuilding legend has defeated COVID-19. Wheeler was recently released from the hospital and shared yet another update on his health. This time, it was not from a hospital bed but from his hotel in Orlando.
On Wednesday, Wheeler shared a 12-minute video where he shared details about how he contracted COVID-19 and his long battle with the virus. He began by explaining how he caught the virus in the first place.
Wheeler explains that he was in England for the 2021 Arnold Classic and this is where he caught the virus. Wheeler did not begin to experience symptoms until he was home and preparing to fly out to the Olympia. He returned home from England on Monday and was prepared to fly to Orlando on Wednesday.
“Wednesday on my flight, I just started feeling horrible. My body started aching and cranking and I remember, like, reaching for my lat, my trap and my arm cramped. Goddamn, you know. It feels like I’ve been working out but I haven’t worked out in a really long time. It just got worse,” Wheeler said.
“By the time i had gone up to my room wednesday, i just went straight to bed. i hardly left my room at all.”
“I was screaming in my sleep because I had such severe body aches.”
Flex Wheeler was preparing to work with production during the 2021 Olympia. He had competed in six Olympia competitions throughout his career with four top-three finishes, including three as a runner-up. Wheeler was victorious during the Arnold Classic four times. Wheeler has drawn plenty of praise from Arnold Schwarzenegger himself.
While Wheeler was not preparing to compete, he was still going to be part of the event. Instead, his symptoms continued to get worse and this is when he decided to do something about it.
“I woke up Friday at 5 in the morning and the entire bed was drenched again. I was like’ you know, you’re up here worried about your pride or being embarrassed and you’re gonna f around and die here in this damn hotel bed.’ So I called 911.”
Flex Wheeler met the emergency officers and he was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the hospital. This is where Wheeler remained and received treatment for several weeks.
Wheeler continued to explain how he felt worse each day and it began with his lungs. Wheeler underwent a kidney transplant in 2003. He retired from bodybuilding that same year in order to remain on top of his health. To this day, Wheeler is still medicated because of his condition.
The doctors explained to Wheeler that he would have to be taken off his kidney medication so that his lungs, which were deteriorating, could be treated properly.
“They told me they had to put my kidney at risk because my immune system had not come online yet to fight and that my lungs were getting worse and worse every time they take an X-ray or a CAT scan,” Wheeler explained.
“They would show me the scarring and the white tissue. They said ‘if you don’t get ahead of this curve, you’re going to be on a ventilator and it’s downhill from there.”
This was a decision that the doctors made to save Wheeler’s lungs. At the same time, some damage might have been done to his kidneys in the process. This was a decision that had to be made to keep Wheeler in his best interest.
Wheeler finished his video by thanking the doctors and medical staff that took care of him during his recovery.
“I’m just thankful for all the doctors, all the nurses, all the overwhelming messages that I got from all the internet mediums, and the outpour of love and respect and appreciation. It didn’t fall on deaf ears. I can never show you how much I appreciate that.”
Flex Wheeler expressed his excitement in returning home from Orlando. He will continue to monitor his health and improve from this moment on.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.