Herndon’s squat achievement was a long time coming.
Philip Herndon is not one to tiptoe around a loaded dumbbell. Like his competitive resume and Instagram profile of coaching exploits illustrate, he is an athlete ready to put the pedal to the metal every time he enters the gym. After his most recent accomplishment, the powerlifter now has the record books backing up his mentality again.
On March 18, 2023, at the United States Powerlifting Coalition (USPC) Mid-Atlantic Classic & Regional Championship, Herndon captured a 411 kilograms (906.1 lb) gross back squat. According Open powerliftingthe milestone isn’t just Herndon’s best raw competition of all time, it’s the All-time gross world record for the 125-kilogram (275-pound) weight class. Herndon donned a lifting belt, knee pads and wrist guards during this revolutionary achievement. At a bodyweight of 117 kilograms (258 pounds), well below the weight class cap, he is the lightest athlete to squat at least 408.2 kilograms (900 pounds) raw with sleeves.
Herndon’s world record squat in the 125 kilogram division officially surpasses his counterpart Dennis Cornelius by one kilogram. By Open powerliftingCornelius recorded the now broken all-time gross world record of 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) at the 2017 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Freedom Fitness Classic.
Herndon adds his gross world record of 125 kilograms to a coat that already features the 110-kilogram record of 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds). Herndon hit that mark during World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) 2022 The Freaks Come Out At Night. For now, the contest marked the athlete’s final appearance in the division before officially moving up to competition at 125 kilograms.
In addition to his squat record, Herndon notched the all-time best competitive records on the deadlift (382.3 kilograms/844 pounds) and total (1,023.7 kilograms/2,257 pounds), while matching its best vintage Bench Press (230 kilograms / 507 pounds).
Herndon’s recent performance puts him fourth in the all-time 125 kilogram record book, just behind Larry “Wheels” Williams who totaled 1031.9 kilograms (2275 pounds) at the 2017 Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) Insurrextion VI.
Here’s a look at Herndon’s record-breaking performance:
Philippe Herndon (125KG) | Best 2023 USPC Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship Stats
- Squat — 411 kilograms (906.1 pounds) | All-time gross world record
- Bench Press — 230 kilograms (507 pounds)
- Deadlift — 382.3 kilograms (844 pounds) | Best Raw Competition Ever
- Total — 1,023.7 kilograms (2,257 pounds) | Best Raw Competition Ever
Now in possession of two raw world records in two separate divisions, Herndon could theoretically rest on his laurels for a while as he recovers and plans his next show of strength. However, something says this superstar is just getting started with an eraser and pencil for the record books.
Featured Image: @phillip_herndon on Instagram
