The 2022 WPO Bench Bash took place on March 26th, 2022, in Boca Raton, Florida. Numerous elite bench pressers got together to compete at one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. However, Jimmy Kolb won the competition comfortably. Jimmy recently claimed a new equipped bench press record, and he has now added another accolade to his resume. Jimmy won the 2022 WPO Bench Bash with an 1140 lbs (517 kg) equipped press.
Only Jimmy Kolb himself has lifted more than 1140 lbs (517 kg) before this competition. The closest man to Jimmy is Bill Gillespie, as he eclipsed the 500 kg by hitting 1129 lbs (512 kg) at the 2022 365Strong New Year Power Bash. This proves just how unprecedented he is at the bench press event. Jimmy used a bench shirt, wrist wraps, and a lifting belt to aid him in the lift.
You can watch the lift here:
Related: Powerlifter Jimmy Kolb Hits 865 lbs Floor Press For 3 Reps
Jimmy Kolb only had one successful attempt at the 2022 WPO Bench Bash, and it was his first one. He attempted an 1185 lbs (537.5 kg) bench press two times, but was not able to complete it.
Jimmy Kolb’s Accomplishments
Jimmy Kolb is the first person to bench press 1200 & 1300 lbs. He holds the World Record with a 1320 lbs (598.7 kg) bench press. Jimmy set the record at the 2022 IPA State Championships and broke the previous record by 190.1 lbs (86.2 kg). Jimmy’s powerlifting career has been almost as dominant as he is in the bench press. Throughout his career, he has won 35 competitions.
Jimmy started competing professionally in 2009, when he was just 18-years-old. In the beginning of his career, Jimmy took part in all events. However, after a few competitions, he revealed his talent in the bench press event. This caused him to become a bench specialist, and he has not taken part in squat or deadlift events in a powerlifting competition since 2018.
Jimmy Kolb’s Equipped Competition PRs:
- Squat: 410 kg (903.9 lbs) (2013 RPS International Open)
- Bench Press: 598.7 kg (1320 lbs) All-Time Heaviest Lift In History (2022 IPA Pennsylvania State Powerlifting Championships)
- Deadlift: 317.5 kg (700 lbs) (2011 APF Ohio Cup)
- Total: 1093.1 kg (2410 lbs) (2011 APF Ohio Cup)
You can watch Jimmy’s bench press record here:
Related: Powerlifter Jimmy Kolb Smashed A 405 lbs Raw Bench Press With Insane 20 Reps
Jimmy Kolb is just 31-years-old currently, so he will be able to compete at the highest level for years to come. Even when he is not at the top of his game, Jimmy can still come in and win the competition. That fact, alongside his multiple World Records, places him amongst the greatest bench pressers of all time.