Picture Credit: Twitter
American powerlifter Jimmy Kolb has broken the all-time world record for the heaviest bench press in recorded history. Jimmy Kolb set the world record by lifting a whopping 508 kilograms (1,120lbs) at the 2021 International Powerlifting Association's Strength Spectacular Powerlifting Championships in Pennsylvania. Kolb achieved the remarkable feat while wearing a single-ply suit and took home gold in the 140kg weight class of the Bench Press-only competition.
Weightlifter Jimmy Kolb shared the video of him performing the Herculean act on his Instagram handle. Kolb had reportedly been on track to break the record having completed a series of challenges at events in the build-up to the event in northeast America. His 508-kilogram lift meant that he broke the previous world record by around 6.8 kilograms (15lbs).
After completing the impressive feat, Kolb paid tribute to all those who supported him on this journey.
He said, "Everyone always gives the lifter the credit when they do something bada**... but I COULD NOT have done what I did yesterday without this family." "Thank you for not only being my friend, spotter, and team member but for bringing this community together," he added.
Watch video of Jimmy Kolb setting the world record here:
Previous record was held by Will Barotti
The previous world record for the heaviest bench press was held by 36-year-old Will Barotti, who had lifted 1,105 pounds (501.2kg) last year in a multi-ply suit. At that time, Barotti had broken the world record of 2018 World’s Strongest Man champion Hafthor Björnsson, who had lifted 501 kilograms (1,104 pounds).