Henderson eclipsed her previous all-time world record by six kilograms.

Last updated on April 8th, 2024

Hunter Henderson sought an outstanding performance at the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Ghost Clash 3 — her last powerlifting meet before her return to competitive bodybuilding. It might not have been exactly the day she wanted, but she walked away with a new all-time world record (ATWR) squat of 311 kilograms.

Henderson came into the meet as the ATWR holder for the raw squat in knee wraps in the 82.5KG class with the 305-kilogram lift hit at the WRPF FQ Classic 2 in May 2022. She eclipsed that number by six kilograms on her second attempt. Take a look at the lift below, courtesy of the Iron Rebel Instagram page: 

Henderson performed the squat with the assistance of knee wraps, a lifting belt, and wrist wraps. The ascent appeared smooth and comfortable and gave Henderson the confidence to attempt 320.5 kilograms for the biggest raw female squat ever achieved.

The record currently belongs to April Mathis at 320 kilograms, set at the American Powerlifting Federation (APF) Gulfcoast meet in 2017, one of the longest-standing records on the women’s side. The 320.5-kilogram lift proved out of Henderson’s range, but 311 kilograms still gave her the third biggest raw squat in the world, with only Mathis and Australia’s Sarah Rainbow ahead of her.

2024 WRPF Ghost Clash 3 — Hunter Henderson (USA), 82.5KG

• Squat
  • 297.5 kilograms
  • 311 kilograms — All-Time World Record
  • 320.5 kilograms
• Bench Press
  • 155 kilograms
  • 165 kilograms
  • 170 kilograms
• Deadlift
  • 240 kilograms
  • 250 kilograms
  • 250 kilograms
• Total — 716 kilograms

Although Henderson led as best lifter for most of the competition, she was pipped at the post by Germany’s Denise Herber, who deadlifted an incredible 291.5 kilograms in the 75KG class.

Henderson didn’t go home empty-handed, though. In addition to her new ATWR raw squat, she won $2,500 for second place and a Kabuki Strength barbell for the biggest squat of the event.

Henderson confirmed to Barbend that she would focus on bodybuilding for the foreseeable future. She will attempt to qualify for the 2024 Olympia at the 2024 Chicago Pro in July.

It’s not yet clear when Henderson will return to powerlifting at a high level, but the records she has set will be difficult to beat. Whatever her competitive plans for the future, her name is likely safe in the record books.

Editor’s note: BarBend is the Official Media Partner of the WRPF. The two organizations maintain editorial independence unless otherwise noted on specific content projects.

Featured image: @ironrebel on Instagram