Eugène Rychlak Jr. (1968 – 26 July 2019) was a
powerlifter
Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. As in the sport of Olympic weightlifting, it involves the athlete attempting a maximal weight single-lift effor ...
from the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...
, who specialized in the
bench press. He was the first man to perform a bench press of over both and .
[EASTER, M., & TSEVIS, C. (2012). Your Best Bench Ever. Men's Health, 27(8), 110-112.] He was also the founder of the Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) powerlifting federation.
Career
Rychlak's bodyweight was in excess of 345 lb (156 kg). Rychlak previously held the record for the world's heaviest assisted bench press of 1010 lb (457 kg) December 16, 2006 in Lake George, NY. This record is now held by
Ryan Kennelly
Ryan Shawn Kennelly (born March 23, 1974) is an American powerlifter who specializes in the bench press. He held the World Powerlifting Organization (WPO) record and held the all-time world record in the assisted (geared) benc ...
, who has lifted 1075 lbs in the same lift.
At the 2005
Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition, Rychlak attempted to break his own record by pressing 1015 lb (460 kg). Rychlak was unable to complete the press, and despite having several spotters around him, the weight fell onto his body. Rychlak suffered no serious injuries from the accident.
Rychlak has also squatted in competition.
Death
Gene Rychlak died on July 26, 2019, due to a heart condition.
See also
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Progression of the bench press world record Bench press world records are the international records in bench press across the years, regardless of weight class or governing organization, for bench pressing on the back without using a bridge technique.
The advent of bench press shirts, which ...
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Scot Mendelson
Scot Mendelson (born February 21, 1969) is an American armwrestler and powerlifter, who specializes in the bench press. He has broken multiple world records and was the raw (unassisted) world record holder in the 308-pound weight ...
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Ryan Kennelly
Ryan Shawn Kennelly (born March 23, 1974) is an American powerlifter who specializes in the bench press. He held the World Powerlifting Organization (WPO) record and held the all-time world record in the assisted (geared) benc ...
References
External links
Gene Rychlak Power Systems- The official website
Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate- The powerlifting federation founded by Rychlak
1968 births
2019 deaths
American powerlifters
World record holders in weightlifting
People from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
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