The first major upset at the 2023 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships happened in the men’s 74-kilogram weight class. Coming into the competition, the 3x IPF World Champion Taylor Atwood was the biggest favorite once again. However, the 22-year-old Carl Johansson surprised everyone and dethroned one of the greatest powerlifters in history. In addition, Carl also set a new 328-kilogram (723.1 pounds) raw Deadlift IPF Open World Record.
Carl Johansson broke a deadlift record that stood for six years as Kjell Egil Bakkelund pulled 322 kilograms (709.9 pounds) at the 2017 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships. In addition, seeing how Carl is a Junior powerlifter due to his age, breaking World Records in the Open age class made him very emotional. Numerous other elite powerlifters were also impressed by Carl’s achievement, as Jesus Olivares, Jonathan Cayco, and Russel Orhii were just some of the names that praised the young athlete.
Carl Johansson was actually tied for first place with Monigatti Timothy since both had the same Total. However, Carl won on a tie-breaker due to his bodyweight being lower than Monigatti. Carl weighed in at 73.65 kilograms (162.4 pounds), while Monigatti came in 0.20 kilograms (0.44 pounds) heavier.
As for Carl Johansson’s performance, he successfully completed all nine of his attempts, setting new competition PRs in all events. In addition, Carl also set new Deadlift & Total IPF Junior World Records.
Squat
252.5 kilograms (556.7 pounds)
262.5 kilograms (578.7 pounds)
267.5 kilograms (589.7 pounds) — Competition PR
Bench Press
170 kilograms (374.8 pounds)
177.5 kilograms (391.3 pounds)
182.5 kilograms (402.3 pounds) — Competition PR
Deadlift
305 kilograms (672.4 pounds)
320 kilograms (705.5 pounds)
328 kilograms (723.1 pounds) — Open & Junior IPF World Record
Total — 778 kilograms (1,715.2 pounds) — Junior World Record
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: April 12, 2023
Carl Johansson has now taken part in a total of 13 sanctioned competitions and won 10 of them. The 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships marked his biggest victory so far. However, he tasted success beforehand as well, having won the IPF Junior World and EPF Junior European Championships in 2022.
Every feat of strength has something that makes it unique and special which is the case with Carl Johansson’s victory at the 2023 IPF Worlds. He had the satisfaction of setting a new World Record, but also beating Taylor Atwood which not many athletes have experienced. In addition, seeing how Carl is just 22-years-old, it is clear that he will become a staple in the powerlifting community for many years to come.
