On Sept. 16, 2022, powerlifter Heather Connor shared an Instagram video of herself capturing a 190-kilogram (418.9-pound) raw deadlift for two reps during a training session. According to the caption of Connor’s post, her new pulling mark is a personal record (PR) double. Connor completed the deadlift in a sumo stance and wore just a lifting belt to help with the feat of strength.
Additionally, Connor’s training deadlift unofficially exceeds her current International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) raw deadlift World Record in the 47-kilogram weight class by five kilograms (11 pounds). Per the IPF database, Connor achieved that official mark of 185 kilograms (407.9 pounds) during a second-place performance at the 2022 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa, this past early June.
Check out Connor’s new PR in the video below:
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According to the caption of Connor’s post, she went to the hospital on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, but did not share details. Connor noted that she was back in the gym, notching her latest deadlift training milestone just a few days after her hospital visit.
Connor’s latest display of deadlift prowess is part of her preparation for the upcoming 2022 Fédération Française de Force (FFForce) Girl Power in France. While the precise location of the competition in France is unclear at the time of this article’s publication, it will take place on Oct. 15, 2022. It will also serve as Connor’s debut in a sanctioned French powerlifting environment.
This example of leg power continues a recent excellent string of achievements for Connor in the gym. Roughly a week before her new double PR, in mid-September 2022, Connor scored a 185-kilogram (407.9-pound) deadlift double. Earlier in the same month, Connor successfully locked out a 200.5 kilogram (442-pound) deadlift single-rep PR, unofficially exceeding her World Record by 15.5 kilograms (34.1 pounds).
Factor in Connor taking home a back squat PR by over 20 pounds in late August 2022, and it seems the two-time IPF World Champion (2018-2019) is on the ascent in training. Here’s an overview of her all-time raw competition bests:
Heather Connor (47KG) | All-Time Raw Competition Bests
- Squat (Raw) — 143 kilograms (315.2 pounds)
- Bench Press (Raw) — 75 kilograms (165.3 pounds)
- Deadlift (Raw) — 192.5 kilograms (424.4 pounds) | American Record
- Total (Raw) — 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds)
Connor could see her new potential competitive rival, Tiffany Chapon, at the 2022 FFForce Girl Power. Chapon finished ahead of Connor for first place in the 47-kilogram weight class with record-breaking results at the 2022 IPF Worlds. Aside from a reference to disappointment for Connor after the IPF Worlds, neither athlete has made any public allusions to one another since the competition. Chapon has also not confirmed that she would compete in France in mid-October.
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If Chapon locks in her place in the 47-kilogram division with Connor at the contest, this category might have yet another battle between two elite strength sports athletes in store.
Featured image: @heather.e.connor on Instagram