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Weightlifting Club Member Sets New National Record, Wins Competition

March 25, 2022

Okayama University weightlifting club member OKADA Kana (fourth year, GDP) participated in the open women’s 63kg powerlifting class for the first time at the “26th Japan Classic Powerlifting Championships”, held at the Okierabu Bunka Hall (Okinoerabujima, Kagoshima Prefecture) on March 12 and 13, and placed first in her weight class.  

Powerlifting is a strength-based sport where competitors have three attempts to lift barbells in three categories: the squat, bench press and deadlift. The goal is to lift the most amount of weight possible and the total weight is calculated by adding the heaviest weight from each category. Ms. Okada recorded the heaviest weight in each category for her weight class, lifting 180 kg in the squat (setting a new national record), 95 kg in the bench press, and 182.5 kg in the deadlift. Not only did her total lifted weight match the national record of 457.5 kg, but she also beat out the other 4 competitors in her weight class, placing first and receiving the honor of the top female competitor. The squat is Ms. Okada’s specialty and she managed to exceed the national record (which she previously set) by 2.5kg, lifting 180 kg and setting a new national record across all women’s classes (47kg to over 84kg).

Commenting on the results, Ms. Okada said, “Previously, I competed in junior and student competitions. This is the first time that I competed in an open competition, and it was extremely rewarding. I would like to thank my coach and fellow club members at the Okayama University weightlifting club for their support during the past four years. Although I will graduate soon, I plan to continue competing.”

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