Super heavyweight powerlifter Nathan Baptist made history, setting a new all-time world record (ATWR) with a 1,311lb (594.7kg) squat. The massive lift took place at the 2021 UPA Utah Kick-Off Meet on February 6, 2021, in Clearfield, Utah.
With this feat, Baptist becomes only the second person in history to squat more than 1,300 pounds, following Brian Carroll’s 1,306lb (592.3kg) record from October 2020.
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Breaking the 1,300lb Barrier
Competing in the +140kg super heavyweight division, Baptist took the platform wearing a multi-ply squat suit and knee wraps—standard gear for equipped powerlifting. His third and final attempt at 1,311 pounds was met with three white lights from the judges, making it an official world record under United Powerlifting Association (UPA) regulations.
The record-setting squat was captured on video by his father, Gregory Baptist, who later shared it online. Fans and powerlifting enthusiasts quickly took notice, with reactions ranging from awe at the sheer weight to debates over the lift’s depth and legitimacy.
One viewer summed up the difficulty of the feat:
“Unracking that weight even in a monolift is a feat itself.”
@Bavarian_Lifting
A History of Record-Breaking Squats
Baptist is no stranger to world records. Just six months prior, at the 2020 UPA Utah Kick-Off Meet, he squatted 1,287lb (580kg), setting the highest recorded squat in the +140kg category.
However, the previous all-time record before his latest attempt belonged to Brian Carroll, who successfully squatted 1,306lb (592.3kg) at the Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) Gene Rychlak Jr. Pro Invitational.
Although both athletes now hold 1,300lb+ squats, they compete in different weight classes—Carroll in the 140kg category and Baptist in the +140kg category—meaning Baptist already held the record in his division before this latest increase.
Controversy Over Squat Depth
Despite the judges ruling the squat valid, many powerlifting enthusiasts and athletes questioned its legitimacy, arguing that the lift did not reach proper depth.
According to UPA rules, a squat is considered legal when the top of the lifter’s thighs at the hip joint go below the top of the knees. However, some fans and lifters disagreed, claiming the attempt was several inches too high to meet the standard.
A common critique was that multi-ply powerlifting allows questionable depth calls, leading some to dismiss the record outright:
“That lift was high as a kite—but crazy effort and strength nonetheless.” – @Mike_858
“This is why equipped lifting has become a meme.” – @samuraicb6814
Others pointed out that the judging inconsistencies in different federations hurt the sport’s credibility:
“Some troglodyte can set up a tiny fringe fed with zero standards, and as long as the judges gave it white lights, it’s a world record.” – @sergeirachmaninoff7805
Even some fans of equipped lifting admitted the squat looked questionable:
“I’ll defend equipped lifting to the fullest, but this is straight-up BS.”
@samuraicb6814
Despite the criticism, supporters still recognized the insane level of strength required to even attempt such a lift:
“Holy sh!t, imagine supporting almost 600kg on your back without dying.” – @placeholder8671
What’s Next for Nathan Baptist?
At 36 years old, Baptist has proven he is still pushing his limits, despite competing less frequently than some of his peers. Whether he aims to break his own record again remains unclear, but one thing is certain: whenever he competes, the powerlifting world takes notice.
With only two lifters in history surpassing the 1,300lb milestone, the question remains—can anyone else step up and claim the record? Or will Baptist continue to push the boundaries of human strength?
For now, his latest squat remains the heaviest ever recorded. But as powerlifting continues to evolve, the debate over its legitimacy is likely to rage on.
