The equipped world record holder pulls raw for the first time in years.

Last updated on June 13th, 2024

If one were to look at the all-time multi-ply equipped powerlifting records, one would see Andy Bolton of Great Britain, who holds the all-time world record deadlift in the 140KG and +140KG classes. In 2002, he pulled 420 kilograms in the 140KG class. In 2009, he pulled 457.5 kilograms in the +140KG class. Both records stand to this day.

According to Open Powerlifting, Bolton has not competed in a sanctioned raw powerlifting meet since the BPF Spartan Summer Bash in 2021. In this deadlift-only contest, he won gold with a 325-kilogram pull.

On June 12, 2024, Bolton displayed a return to those raw lifting roots. He shared a video on his Instagram page wherein he locked out a raw 320-kilogram double on a stiff bar in training. Check it out below:

Surrounded by training partners, Bolton stepped onto the lifting platform wearing a lifting belt. Lifting in socks, he set his conventional stance with his shins touching the stiff bar and took it in a mixed grip.

After a quick up-and-down hip check, he accelerated through the first rep without delay. He ascended to lockout without any visual hiccups before returning the bar to the platform and hitting a second rep. The second rep appeared faster and smoother than the first.

If the lifts themselves weren’t a show of confidence from the Masters competitor, his Instagram caption certainly was:

Biggest raw pull in many years and feeling ready for comp in few weeks. With a deadlift bar on comp day anything can happen.

Bolton’s implication is likely correct, as lifters can typically lift more with a standard deadlift barbell than with a stiff bar. The former offers a bit of give during the ascent.

Bolton’s most recent sanctioned meet was the 2023 British Powerlifting Union (BPU) Powerlifting Games and THE BOMB SQUAD in September 2023, a deadlift-only contest. He lifted in the single-ply equipped 125KG class and stood atop the podium with a 350-kilogram pull.

If Bolton can pull as cleanly on competition day as he is in training, he will likely add another gold medal to his long and illustrious powerlifting resume.

Featured image: @andybolton1003 on Instagram