Gene Rychlak

Eugène Rychlak Jr. (July 13, 1968 - July 26, 2019) is a former powerlifter from the United States, who specialized in the bench press. He was the first man to perform a bench press of over both 900 lb (410 kg) and 1,000 lb (450 kg).

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.

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 due to producers moving the spotters for PPV, the weight came down onto his body. The torque of the uneven bar caused a fracture in his T7 vertebrae that was not diagnosed on initial ER examination. Only after returning home and waking with leg paralysis was it found. Rychlak returned 14 months later to break his standing record.

Rychlak has also squatted 1,005 lb (456 kg) in competition. The first man to have lifted over 1000lbs in two events.

See also

• Progression of the bench press world record

External links

• Gene Rychlak Power Systems - The official website