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Powerlifter Russel Orhii Crushes 212.5-kg (468.4-lb) Bench Press PR In Prep For a Return To The IPF

Muscle Insider

New member
Russel Orhii is easily one of the greatest powerlifters ever in the 83-kilogram weight class, having won numerous titles across the years. Therefore, it was somewhat surprising that he had not been too active this year in terms of competitions. However, his training sessions were still going strong, and he looks stronger than ever. This is evident by Russel’s numerous recent feats of strength, most notably the new 212.5-kilogram (468.4-pound) Bench Press PR.
Russel Orhii only used wrist wraps to set a 212.5-kilogram (468.4-pound) bench press PR, making it raw. However, Russel had to struggle a lot in order to set this PR, but pushing himself to his limits will only result in even more improvement. Regardless of the grind, Russel still maintained perfect technique, proving why he is one of the greatest powerlifters in the world.
Watch the lift here:

Related: Powerlifter Russel Orhii Scores a Huge 337.5-kg (744-lb) Raw Squat Two-Rep PR
Russel Orhii’s Comeback To The IPF
The context is incredibly important in this story, since Russel Orhii was once a part of the IPF, but has been a USAPL lifter for the past few years. These two powerlifting federations were once connected, but split up after some disagreements. After the split, the athletes had to choose one federation to compete in exclusively.
Russel Orhii evaluated the situation after the split and opted for the USAPL, which no longer seems like the correct option to him. He has now officially left USAPL and revealed exactly why in a recent YouTube video.
“I’m leaving the USAPL. The reason why I am leaving the USAPL is because I want to go back to being a World Champion Powerlifter…
I decided to stay with the USAPL (in 2021), thinking that it would allow me to grow the business of the better brand…
As I have done that, the IPF has taken bigger strides than the USAPL, with just the little things that kind of add to what it means to be a powerlifter.”
Russel Orhii also stated that the IPF will have more big competitions for him, as he was previously only attracted to the USAPL Nationals. Speaking of which, he wanted to claim his sixth USAPL National title later this year, but had to withdraw and turn his attention to the IPF as soon as possible.
While USAPL and IPF were together, the athletes from the USA qualified for the World Championships through the USAPL Nationals. However, due to their split, IPF was forced to set up an affiliate, Powerlifting America (AMP), which now puts on their Nationals as a way to qualify.
“If I want to go to the IPF, I have to serve a six month suspension, and that starts whenever I reinstate myself. So, if I were to compete in the USAPL Nationals, I would then start my suspension. That would have made me eligible to compete in April of 2024. By that time, the AMP Nationals (Qualifier for 2024 IPF Worlds) would have already happened.”
One unusual side effect of Russel Orhii’s situation is that he will end 2023 without making a single appearance in a sanctioned competition. In the past eight years, this has only been the case in 2020.
Regardless, we will soon get to see him compete in the 2024 Powerlifting America (AMP) Nationals, IPF World Championships, and a bit later on, the IPF World Games and IPF Sheffield as well.
Watch the full video here:

Related: Powerlifter Russel Orhii Sets New Squat, Deadlift, & Total Competition PRs At 2022 USAPL Korea Winter Showdown
Russel Orhii Competition History



Personal Bests






Equip
Squat
Bench
Deadlift
Total
Dots




Raw
749.6
429.9
749.6
1951.1
572.69





Competition Results






Place
Fed
Date
Competition
Division
Total
Dots








1
USAPL
2022-12-17

Korea Winter Showdown

MR-O

1951.1


572.69






Location

South Korea



Competition
Korea Winter Showdown



Division
MR-O



Age
~27.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
198.4



Weight
198.1



Squat
-700
722
749.6

749.6



Bench
402.3
418.9
429.9

429.9



Deadlift
705.5
738.5
771.6

771.6



GLP
117.74









1
USAPL
2022-06-08

Mega Nationals

MR-O

1847.5


568.87






Location

USA-NV



Competition
Mega Nationals



Division
MR-O



Age
~27.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
181.9



Weight
181.2



Squat
655.9
684.5
706.6

706.6



Bench
396.8
407.9
413.4

413.4



Deadlift
683.4
716.5
727.5

727.5



GLP
116.58









1
IPF
2021-09-23

World Classic Powerlifting Championships

Open

1854.1


569.22






Location

Sweden



Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships



Division
Open



Age
~26.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.1



Squat
655.9
691.1
706.6

706.6



Bench
396.8
407.9
413.4

413.4



Deadlift
683.4
716.5
734.1

734.1



GLP
116.69









1
USAPL
2021-06-14

Raw Nationals

MR-O

1858.5


570.89






Location

USA-FL



Competition
Raw Nationals



Division
MR-O



Age
~26.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182



Squat
661.4
692.3
712.1

712.1



Bench
407.9
418.9
424.4

424.4



Deadlift
688.9
722
-738.5

722



GLP
117.02









1
USAPL
2019-10-16

Raw Nationals

MR-O

1826.5


561.72






Location

USA-IL



Competition
Raw Nationals



Division
MR-O



Age
~24.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.6



Squat
-666.9
-691.1
691.1

691.1



Bench
402.3
418.9
424.4

424.4



Deadlift
677.9
711
-722

711



GLP
115.13









1
IPF
2019-06-04

World Classic Powerlifting Championships

Open

1836.4


565.24






Location

Sweden



Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships



Division
Open



Age
~24.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.3



Squat
639.3
673.5
690

690



Bench
402.3
418.9
429.9

429.9



Deadlift
666.9
694.5
716.5

716.5



GLP
115.84









1
USAPL
2018-10-11

Raw Nationals

MR-O

1765.9


541.48






Location

USA-WA



Competition
Raw Nationals



Division
MR-O



Age
~23.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.5



Squat
633.8
663.6
-679

663.6



Bench
402.3
-413.4
418.9

418.9



Deadlift
633.8
661.4
683.4

683.4



GLP
111.01









2
IPF
2018-06-06

World Classic Powerlifting Championships

Open

1727.3


529.76






Location

Canada



Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships



Division
Open



Age
~23.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.5



Squat
606.3
639.3
658.1

658.1



Bench
391.3
407.9
418.9

418.9



Deadlift
628.3
650.4
-661.4

650.4



GLP
108.61









1
USAPL
2018-03-03

The Arnold SBD Pro American

MR-O

1719.6


528.48






Location

USA-OH



Competition
The Arnold SBD Pro American



Division
MR-O



Age
~23.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.8



Squat
633.8
-661.4
-661.4

633.8



Bench
374.8
391.3
402.3

402.3



Deadlift
639.3
666.9
683.4

683.4



GLP
108.32









1
USAPL
2017-10-10

Raw National Championships

MR-Jr

1748.3


538.77






Location

USA-FL



Competition
Raw National Championships



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
180.9



Squat
622.8
644.9
662.5

662.5



Bench
374.8
385.8
396.8

396.8



Deadlift
639.3
672.4
688.9

688.9



GLP
110.4









1
USAPL
2017-10-10

Raw National Championships

MR-O

1748.3


538.77






Location

USA-FL



Competition
Raw National Championships



Division
MR-O



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
180.9



Squat
622.8
644.9
662.5

662.5



Bench
374.8
385.8
396.8

396.8



Deadlift
639.3
672.4
688.9

688.9



GLP
110.4









1
USAPL
2017-08-26

Texas Raw Championships

MR-Jr

1747.2


537.57






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Texas Raw Championships



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.4



Squat
606.3
639.3
655.9

655.9



Bench
374.8
391.3
402.3

402.3



Deadlift
639.3
677.9
688.9

688.9



GLP
110.17









1
USAPL
2017-08-26

Texas Raw Championships

MR-O

1747.2


537.57






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Texas Raw Championships



Division
MR-O



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.4



Squat
606.3
639.3
655.9

655.9



Bench
374.8
391.3
402.3

402.3



Deadlift
639.3
677.9
688.9

688.9



GLP
110.17









1
USAPL
2017-02-18

Aggie Showdown

MR-Jr

1686.5


517.5






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Aggie Showdown



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.3



Squat
584.2
617.3
-666.9

617.3



Bench
341.7
374.8
391.3

391.3



Deadlift
628.3
677.9
-700

677.9



GLP
106.09









1
USAPL
2017-02-18

Aggie Showdown

MR-O

1686.5


517.5






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Aggie Showdown



Division
MR-O



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.3



Squat
584.2
617.3
-666.9

617.3



Bench
341.7
374.8
391.3

391.3



Deadlift
628.3
677.9
-700

677.9



GLP
106.09









1
USAPL
2016-12-03

Southern Regional Championships

MR-Jr

1686.5


503.98






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Southern Regional Championships



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~21.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
205



Weight
191.4



Squat
567.7
600.8
633.8

633.8



Bench
347.2
363.8
385.8

385.8



Deadlift
584.2
628.3
666.9

666.9



GLP
103.54









1
USAPL
2016-02-20

Aggie Showdown

MR-C

1570.8


482.64






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Aggie Showdown



Division
MR-C



Age
~21.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.9



Squat
518.1
545.6
562.2

562.2



Bench
330.7
358.3
369.3

369.3



Deadlift
562.2
595.2
639.3

639.3



GLP
98.93









1
USAPL
2015-11-07

Raw Collegiate Cup

MR-Jr

1510.2


466.27






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Raw Collegiate Cup



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~20.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
180.3



Squat
485
523.6
540.1

540.1



Bench
330.7
347.2
363.8

363.8



Deadlift
540.1
578.7
606.3

606.3



GLP
95.52






Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: April 12, 2023


Analyze Lifts



Russel Orhii is already a 2x IPF World Champion (2019 & 2021), but his main goal now will be reclaiming his title in 2024. He also stated that he will remain in the 83-kilogram weight class for the foreseeable future, despite some outside speculations that he is moving to the 90-kilogram weight class. So, he is now taking a very big step, but it seems correct, as IPF is currently ruling the drug-tested powerlifting scene.
Published: 2 August, 2023 | 9:12 AM EDT

h96dniotbm4.jpg
Russel Orhii is easily one of the greatest powerlifters ever in the 83-kilogram weight class, having won numerous titles across the years. Therefore, it was somewhat surprising that he had not been too active this year in terms of competitions. However, his training sessions were still going strong, and he looks stronger than ever. This is evident by Russel’s numerous recent feats of strength, most notably the new 212.5-kilogram (468.4-pound) Bench Press PR.


Russel Orhii only used wrist wraps to set a 212.5-kilogram (468.4-pound) bench press PR, making it raw. However, Russel had to struggle a lot in order to set this PR, but pushing himself to his limits will only result in even more improvement. Regardless of the grind, Russel still maintained perfect technique, proving why he is one of the greatest powerlifters in the world.


Watch the lift here:

Related: Powerlifter Russel Orhii Scores a Huge 337.5-kg (744-lb) Raw Squat Two-Rep PR


Russel Orhii’s Comeback To The IPF
The context is incredibly important in this story, since Russel Orhii was once a part of the IPF, but has been a USAPL lifter for the past few years. These two powerlifting federations were once connected, but split up after some disagreements. After the split, the athletes had to choose one federation to compete in exclusively.


Russel Orhii evaluated the situation after the split and opted for the USAPL, which no longer seems like the correct option to him. He has now officially left USAPL and revealed exactly why in a recent YouTube video.


“I’m leaving the USAPL. The reason why I am leaving the USAPL is because I want to go back to being a World Champion Powerlifter…


I decided to stay with the USAPL (in 2021), thinking that it would allow me to grow the business of the better brand…


As I have done that, the IPF has taken bigger strides than the USAPL, with just the little things that kind of add to what it means to be a powerlifter.”

[/quote]
Russel Orhii also stated that the IPF will have more big competitions for him, as he was previously only attracted to the USAPL Nationals. Speaking of which, he wanted to claim his sixth USAPL National title later this year, but had to withdraw and turn his attention to the IPF as soon as possible.


While USAPL and IPF were together, the athletes from the USA qualified for the World Championships through the USAPL Nationals. However, due to their split, IPF was forced to set up an affiliate, Powerlifting America (AMP), which now puts on their Nationals as a way to qualify.


“If I want to go to the IPF, I have to serve a six month suspension, and that starts whenever I reinstate myself. So, if I were to compete in the USAPL Nationals, I would then start my suspension. That would have made me eligible to compete in April of 2024. By that time, the AMP Nationals (Qualifier for 2024 IPF Worlds) would have already happened.”

[/quote]
One unusual side effect of Russel Orhii’s situation is that he will end 2023 without making a single appearance in a sanctioned competition. In the past eight years, this has only been the case in 2020.


Regardless, we will soon get to see him compete in the 2024 Powerlifting America (AMP) Nationals, IPF World Championships, and a bit later on, the IPF World Games and IPF Sheffield as well.


Watch the full video here:

Related: Powerlifter Russel Orhii Sets New Squat, Deadlift, & Total Competition PRs At 2022 USAPL Korea Winter Showdown


Russel Orhii Competition History



Personal Bests






Equip
Squat
Bench
Deadlift
Total
Dots




Raw
749.6
429.9
749.6
1951.1
572.69





Competition Results






Place
Fed
Date
Competition
Division
Total
Dots








1
USAPL
2022-12-17

Korea Winter Showdown

MR-O

1951.1


572.69






Location

South Korea



Competition
Korea Winter Showdown



Division
MR-O



Age
~27.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
198.4



Weight
198.1



Squat
-700
722
749.6

749.6



Bench
402.3
418.9
429.9

429.9



Deadlift
705.5
738.5
771.6

771.6



GLP
117.74









1
USAPL
2022-06-08

Mega Nationals

MR-O

1847.5


568.87






Location

USA-NV



Competition
Mega Nationals



Division
MR-O



Age
~27.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
181.9



Weight
181.2



Squat
655.9
684.5
706.6

706.6



Bench
396.8
407.9
413.4

413.4



Deadlift
683.4
716.5
727.5

727.5



GLP
116.58









1
IPF
2021-09-23

World Classic Powerlifting Championships

Open

1854.1


569.22






Location

Sweden



Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships



Division
Open



Age
~26.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.1



Squat
655.9
691.1
706.6

706.6



Bench
396.8
407.9
413.4

413.4



Deadlift
683.4
716.5
734.1

734.1



GLP
116.69









1
USAPL
2021-06-14

Raw Nationals

MR-O

1858.5


570.89






Location

USA-FL



Competition
Raw Nationals



Division
MR-O



Age
~26.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182



Squat
661.4
692.3
712.1

712.1



Bench
407.9
418.9
424.4

424.4



Deadlift
688.9
722
-738.5

722



GLP
117.02









1
USAPL
2019-10-16

Raw Nationals

MR-O

1826.5


561.72






Location

USA-IL



Competition
Raw Nationals



Division
MR-O



Age
~24.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.6



Squat
-666.9
-691.1
691.1

691.1



Bench
402.3
418.9
424.4

424.4



Deadlift
677.9
711
-722

711



GLP
115.13









1
IPF
2019-06-04

World Classic Powerlifting Championships

Open

1836.4


565.24






Location

Sweden



Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships



Division
Open



Age
~24.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.3



Squat
639.3
673.5
690

690



Bench
402.3
418.9
429.9

429.9



Deadlift
666.9
694.5
716.5

716.5



GLP
115.84









1
USAPL
2018-10-11

Raw Nationals

MR-O

1765.9


541.48






Location

USA-WA



Competition
Raw Nationals



Division
MR-O



Age
~23.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.5



Squat
633.8
663.6
-679

663.6



Bench
402.3
-413.4
418.9

418.9



Deadlift
633.8
661.4
683.4

683.4



GLP
111.01









2
IPF
2018-06-06

World Classic Powerlifting Championships

Open

1727.3


529.76






Location

Canada



Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships



Division
Open



Age
~23.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.5



Squat
606.3
639.3
658.1

658.1



Bench
391.3
407.9
418.9

418.9



Deadlift
628.3
650.4
-661.4

650.4



GLP
108.61









1
USAPL
2018-03-03

The Arnold SBD Pro American

MR-O

1719.6


528.48






Location

USA-OH



Competition
The Arnold SBD Pro American



Division
MR-O



Age
~23.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.8



Squat
633.8
-661.4
-661.4

633.8



Bench
374.8
391.3
402.3

402.3



Deadlift
639.3
666.9
683.4

683.4



GLP
108.32









1
USAPL
2017-10-10

Raw National Championships

MR-Jr

1748.3


538.77






Location

USA-FL



Competition
Raw National Championships



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
180.9



Squat
622.8
644.9
662.5

662.5



Bench
374.8
385.8
396.8

396.8



Deadlift
639.3
672.4
688.9

688.9



GLP
110.4









1
USAPL
2017-10-10

Raw National Championships

MR-O

1748.3


538.77






Location

USA-FL



Competition
Raw National Championships



Division
MR-O



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
180.9



Squat
622.8
644.9
662.5

662.5



Bench
374.8
385.8
396.8

396.8



Deadlift
639.3
672.4
688.9

688.9



GLP
110.4









1
USAPL
2017-08-26

Texas Raw Championships

MR-Jr

1747.2


537.57






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Texas Raw Championships



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.4



Squat
606.3
639.3
655.9

655.9



Bench
374.8
391.3
402.3

402.3



Deadlift
639.3
677.9
688.9

688.9



GLP
110.17









1
USAPL
2017-08-26

Texas Raw Championships

MR-O

1747.2


537.57






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Texas Raw Championships



Division
MR-O



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.4



Squat
606.3
639.3
655.9

655.9



Bench
374.8
391.3
402.3

402.3



Deadlift
639.3
677.9
688.9

688.9



GLP
110.17









1
USAPL
2017-02-18

Aggie Showdown

MR-Jr

1686.5


517.5






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Aggie Showdown



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.3



Squat
584.2
617.3
-666.9

617.3



Bench
341.7
374.8
391.3

391.3



Deadlift
628.3
677.9
-700

677.9



GLP
106.09









1
USAPL
2017-02-18

Aggie Showdown

MR-O

1686.5


517.5






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Aggie Showdown



Division
MR-O



Age
~22.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
182.3



Squat
584.2
617.3
-666.9

617.3



Bench
341.7
374.8
391.3

391.3



Deadlift
628.3
677.9
-700

677.9



GLP
106.09









1
USAPL
2016-12-03

Southern Regional Championships

MR-Jr

1686.5


503.98






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Southern Regional Championships



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~21.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
205



Weight
191.4



Squat
567.7
600.8
633.8

633.8



Bench
347.2
363.8
385.8

385.8



Deadlift
584.2
628.3
666.9

666.9



GLP
103.54









1
USAPL
2016-02-20

Aggie Showdown

MR-C

1570.8


482.64






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Aggie Showdown



Division
MR-C



Age
~21.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
181.9



Squat
518.1
545.6
562.2

562.2



Bench
330.7
358.3
369.3

369.3



Deadlift
562.2
595.2
639.3

639.3



GLP
98.93









1
USAPL
2015-11-07

Raw Collegiate Cup

MR-Jr

1510.2


466.27






Location

USA-TX



Competition
Raw Collegiate Cup



Division
MR-Jr



Age
~20.5



Equipment
Raw



Class
183



Weight
180.3



Squat
485
523.6
540.1

540.1



Bench
330.7
347.2
363.8

363.8



Deadlift
540.1
578.7
606.3

606.3



GLP
95.52






Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: April 12, 2023




Analyze Lifts







Russel Orhii is already a 2x IPF World Champion (2019 & 2021), but his main goal now will be reclaiming his title in 2024. He also stated that he will remain in the 83-kilogram weight class for the foreseeable future, despite some outside speculations that he is moving to the 90-kilogram weight class. So, he is now taking a very big step, but it seems correct, as IPF is currently ruling the drug-tested powerlifting scene.


Published: 2 August, 2023 | 9:12 AM EDT






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