America’s next-generation weightlifters are boasting some serious leg strength.

Last updated on April 17th, 2024

If you aren’t aware, weightlifters have some seriously-strong legs. 20-year-old Olivia Reeves recently shocked social media with a triple-bodyweight squat. She’s in good company.

On April 1, 2024, Team USA Junior weightlifter Miranda Ulrey posted her own shockingly heavy 1-rep max. Ulrey, 19, squatted 180 kilograms (396.8 pounds) in training. She competes internationally for the United States in weightlifting’s 59-kilogram (130-pound) weight class. Check it out below: 

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For the uninitiated, weightlifting athletes don’t compete in the squat like powerlifters do. As an Olympic lifter, Ulrey utilizes exercises like back or front squats as an accessory to supplement her performance in weightlifting’s two competitive disciplines: the snatch and the clean & jerk. 

In Context

A three-times-bodyweight anything is a spectacular achievement in strength training. But how exactly does Ulrey’s squat strength stack up against full-time powerlifters who train for, and compete in, the low bar back squat? 

According to the International Powerlifting Federation’s (IPF) registry, here are the raw (i.e., without the assistance of supportive equipment like knee wraps) Junior squat records in the weight classes closest to Ulrey’s: 

• 57KG: 188 kilograms (414.4 pounds) | Jacob Jade (FRA) 
• 63KG: 185 kilograms (407.8 pounds) | Casagranda Federica (ITA)

Ulrey’s squat personal record is undeniably impressive and would be considered a world-class lift in the IPF’s Junior divisions. She’s still somewhat behind the leaders in her comparable weight classes. Given that Ulrey doesn’t prioritize the back squat to the same degree as Jade or Federica, it’s feasible that Ulrey could make a run for an IPF Junior world record in powerlifting if she desired. 

The Future of Team USA? 

Ulrey’s Junior career as an international weightlifter ends in just over a year. Regardless, she’s performed commendably on the international scene, with three IWF events under her belt already:

Miranda Ulrey Weightlifting Career

• 2021 Youth World Championships: 4th (55KG) 
• 2022 Pan American Junior Championships: 2nd (49KG) 
• 2023 Junior World Championships: 4th (59KG) 

[Related: 2024 IWF World Cup Results]

If Ulrey’s leg strength is any indication, she’s bound to have a solid career at the Senior level. Weightlifting was recently confirmed for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles; Ulrey might just make a run at becoming an Olympian before too long. 

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Featured Image: @mulrey23 on Instagram