In a stunning display of power and precision, 22-year-old Bodie LaCoe shattered expectations — and the record books — at the 2025 IPF World Junior and Sub-Junior Powerlifting Championships in San José, Costa Rica. Weighing just 58.8 kg (130 lb), LaCoe pulled an unbelievable 293 kg (646 lb) raw deadlift, setting a new Open World Record in the men’s 59 kg class.
No suit. No straps. No supportive gear. Just raw, disciplined strength under the bright lights of the sport’s biggest stage.
LaCoe’s record-setting lift wasn’t just about brute force — it was a clinic in technical mastery. Every phase, from grip to lockout, was executed flawlessly under world-level judging. The result? A pull worth more than five times his bodyweight, an achievement reached by only a handful of lifters in powerlifting history.
And that wasn’t the only record to fall.
Competing in the Junior division, LaCoe also set a new Junior Total World Record with a staggering 623 kg (1,374 lb) across his three lifts. His meet numbers read like something out of a superhero’s stat sheet:
- Squat: 207.5 kg (457 lb)
- Bench: 122.5 kg (270 lb)
- Deadlift: 293 kg (646 lb)
- Total: 623 kg (1,374 lb)
- Dots Score: 534.72
The performance secured LaCoe’s third World Championship title, reinforcing his place as one of the sport’s strongest pound-for-pound athletes — not just in his class, but across the entire IPF.
After the competition, LaCoe took to Instagram to reflect on what he called “the best performance of my life”: “Well, I just competed in my 5th world championship. Had the best performance of my life setting the 59kg junior total world record with a total of 623kg/1374lbs. And also a 59kg open deadlift world record with 293kg/646lbs. Was able to secure gold to make this my 3rd world title. And was finally able to hit more than one deadlift.”
LaCoe went on to thanks his coaches, family, and friends for all their support following his incredible performance.
The caption reads like both a victory speech and a farewell — at least for now — to his raw lifting chapter. With his “classic career on pause,” LaCoe announced plans to move into equipped powerlifting, marking the start of a new era for one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
Just a few weeks later, LaCoe would share his latest efforts, writing: “First squats in equipment. Need to work on technique, but it’s a start. Came semi-close to depth with 195kg.”
LaCoe’s breakout performance was more than a record-breaking meet — it was a moment that encapsulated everything great about powerlifting: dedication, precision, and relentless pursuit of progress.
At 130 pounds, he proved that strength isn’t just measured in kilos — it’s measured in heart, craft, and the quiet confidence to pull what most would call impossible.
Featured image credit: Instagram/@grind.actu/bodielacoe04 (screenshot)
