When sports fans think of two-sport athletes, Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders are among the names that come to mind. However, several strength sports competitors have excelled in multiple fitness disciplines.
For example, several female powerlifters, including Hunter Henderson and Marianna Gasparyan, have competed in bodybuilding and earned their pro cards; both competed in the 2024 IFBB Pro League season. Brianny Terry is another female powerlifter who will make her pro bodybuilding debut in 2025.
Johnnie Jackson and Mike O’Hearn are known for their excellence in powerlifting and bodybuilding. This means multi-strength-sport success can be achieved. The latest male powerlifter to create buzz online is Russel Orhii.
Orhii set an IPF world record squat at the 2024 IPF World Classic Championships with a lift of 321 kilograms, the latest in multiple records to his credit. As documented by Open Powerlifting, his best lifts in each of the three movements are below:
Russel Orhii’s Top Competition Lifts
Squat — 340 kilograms
Bench Press — 195 kilograms
Deadlift — 350 kilograms
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Orhii as a Bodybuilder
Orhii has bodybuilding experience already. According to NPC News Online, Orhii placed second in the 2016 NPC Lee Labrada Classic, the only show he is credited with on record.
Even if it has been eight years since he last stepped onstage, the bodybuilding bug is still with Orhii. His YouTube channel description describes him as a powerlifter and bodybuilder. Furthermore, multiple Instagram posts display Orhii performing bodybuilding poses, including the front double biceps, the rear lat spread, and the side triceps.
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Orhii appears confident when posing and has the shape to stand on a competitive bodybuilding stage. It would likely not take him long to diet and improve his conditioning.
Orhii set his IPF world record as an 83KG competitor. If he were to enter an NPC show, he could compete as a middleweight after losing four kilograms or as a light-heavyweight by maintaining his weight. Odds suggest Orhii would get as shredded as possible to make the middleweight category.
If Orhii were to compete in bodybuilding, would he compete in traditional bodybuilding or enter a different division, such as Men’s Physique or Classic Physique? The years of powerlifting training could prove advantageous for muscle maturity and density.
Regardless of what division or class Orhii were to enter, he has shown the potential to be the latest of several multi-sport strength athletes who could excel in powerlifting and bodybuilding. The questions left to answer are whether he would compete and, if so, what show he would enter.
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Featured image: @russwole on Instagram
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