Many of us make resolutions to improve ourselves and reach new goals every year, but life happens, and it doesn’t always go according to plan. That isn’t trouble for Jessica Buettner, who starts 2022 in a pole position.
On Jan. 30, 2021, Buettner deadlifted 252.5 kilograms (556 pounds), demolishing her previous personal record by 2.5 kilograms (five pounds). Two days later, she followed up that lift with a bench press PR of 107.5 kilograms (237 pounds).
Both lifts occurred in training, but both of Buettner’s lifts are heavier than the current IPF world records at 76 kilograms. It’s not surprising to see Buettner reach new heights in her own training time. Buettner is in sole possession of three International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) records.
Buettner’s IPF Records
- Deadlift: 247.5 kilograms (545.6 pounds)
- Squat: 210.5 kilograms (461.4 pounds)
- Total: 563 kilogram (1,241 pound2)
Buettner achieved each of these marks in the latest run of the 2021 IPF Championships in Halmstad, Sweden. This specific lift was all the more impressive for this new one-rep max deadlift because Buettner (who did not disclose her weight during the lift) did not wear lifting straps — powerlifting competitions bar their use. And while it definitely wasn’t effortless, it seemed so given how Buettner pulled the 556 pounds rather easily. She only had a weightlifting belt adorned for support before figuratively smashing her way to new deadlifting heights.
Buettner’s Career to Date
Since beginning her career in 2014, the Canadian has had quite the mantel of recognition for her powerlifting work. She’s won Canadian Nationals winner three times (2015, 2019, and 2020) and won four World Classic Powerlifting Championships (2016 and 2018 as a Junior and in the Open division in 2019-2020).
In addition to her formal IPF achievements, in another recent highlight, Buettner was a force at the 2020 Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) National Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships. There, while lifting in the 72-kilogram class, Buettner hit a 250-kilogram (551-pound) deadlift, 210-kilogram (463-pound) squat, and a 102.5-kilogram (226-pound) bench press for a 562.5-kilogram (1,240 pounds) powerlifting total.
Buettner has also found a way to thrive in less formal competitive terms when she trains. In May 2020, in the comfort of her own home, Buettner pulled a beltless 220-kilogram (485-pound) deadlift for five reps—three times her usual competition body weight. And in 2019, during a Deadlift4Cancer event in Canada, she pulled 228 kilograms (500 pounds).
Boiled down, Buettner has competed in 17 open events, winning 15 times throughout her career. Perhaps more importantly, she’s never finished lower than second place, demonstrating how she’s always been within striking distance of victory.
It’d be hard for anyone to match such consistent excellence. Yet, somehow, someway, Buettner continues to push the standard as she powers her way through a new year.
Featured image: @djessicabuettner on Instagram