Today I bring you the bench press records, a fascinating topic the Evolution of the World Record in Bench Press.
It will take us on a journey through the history of the bench press and its records.
The absolute world record in this discipline was recently broken. Which has led me to explore the last five times this record has been broken. What does it take to achieve such levels of strength? Join me on this historical tour.
The Beginnings of a Legacy (1996 – James Henderson) world record bench press 320 kg.
In 1996 with James Henderson, he set the RAW bench press record (without a wristband or belt) of 320 kilograms.
Henderson, known for his formidable size and strength, left a mark that would be the starting point for future lifters.
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Raising the Bench Press Bar (2005 – Scott Mendelson)
Fast forward to 2005, when Scott Mendelson, at the age of 36, broke Henderson’s world record. He took the unassisted bench press record to 324.5 kilograms. Mendelson, famous for his feats in various lifting modalities, left an indelible mark on the bench press world.

New Heights in the Bench Press Lift (2013 – 2016)
Between 2013 and 2016, we saw the bench press record broken several times, reaching 335 kilograms. These years witnessed uprisings that not only defied gravity but also human limits.

Who is the current Bench Press Record Holder: Julius Maddox
We come to the era of Julius Maddox, who has broken the world record twice in a short time. He set in November 2019 the new Raw bench press mark (without any equipment), at 337 kilograms. His technique and strength are a testament to the continued evolution of the sport.
In March 2020, Julius Maddox set the world record at 350 kg. It was at the Arnold Sports Classic in Columbus.
Finally, Julius Maddox set the Raw bench press world record at 355 kg, 782 lbs.

Conclusion and bench press record table:
The bench press has always been more than just an exercise. It is a discipline that combines strength, technique and an indomitable spirit. The evolution of the world record bench press shows us that limits are made to be overcome.
Athlete | Sports | Year | Weight |
James Henderson | record Raw bench press | 1996 | 320 kg – 705 lbs |
Scott Mendelson | record Raw bench press | 2005 | 324 kg – 714 lbs |
Julius Maddox | record Raw bench press | 2019 | 337 kg – 743 lbs |
Julius Maddox | record Raw bench press | 2020 | 350 kg – 772 lbs |
Julius Maddox | record Raw bench press | 2021 | 355 kg – 782 pounds |
Bench press record video
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- How do athletes prepare to break a world record in bench press?
- Athletes follow rigorous training programs, focusing on strength and specific bench press technique.
- What role do diet and lifestyle play in weightlifting at this level?
- A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are crucial to maintain the strength and endurance needed for these lifts.
- Is it possible to see a bench press record broken in the future?
- Given the current progression, it would not be surprising to see the limits of the bench press pushed in the future.
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Start training for free today!
The world record bench press and its impact on weightlifting.
The bench press world record represents the limit of human strength in this discipline. Over the years, elite athletes have worked to break this mark, demonstrating a combination of technique, power and determination. Each new bench press record sets a higher standard and motivates new generations of lifters to try.
The history of the world record in bench press
The bench press world record has evolved over time thanks to advances in training and sports nutrition. From the earliest records to today’s marks, lifters have pushed physical limits, leaving an indelible mark on weightlifting history.
How to train to achieve a bench press record
Breaking a bench press record requires years of specific training, where technique and strength play a key role. Athletes who have achieved this mark focus on improving their performance with personalized routines, weight control and a solid mental strategy.
Key factors in the preparation of a bench press record
To achieve a record bench press, it is essential to work on muscular endurance, stability and speed of execution. In addition, nutrition and rest play a crucial role in recovery and the development of the strength necessary to attempt to lift extreme loads.