Trinidad & Tobago heavyweight powerlifter Joseph McDonald has been flying under the radar. Still, he shot into prominence after his brilliant performance at the 2024 North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) North American Championships (NAC) in Scottsdale, AZ.
NAPF is a regional affiliate of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and covers all the countries on the North American continent, including the island nations. McDonald used this IPF sanction to break the Junior (ages 19-23) total world record.
McDonald competed in the 120KG class in the Junior category on Aug. 9, 2024. he dominated, finishing over 150 kilograms ahead of his nearest rival with an IPF Junior World Record total of 926.5 kilograms
McDonald’s second squat of 320 kilograms looked easy. The depth was undeniable, and the speed of the ascent encouraged him to add another 20 kilograms for his final attempt.
Unfortunately, while McDonald stood the weight up, he lost his balance, swaying back into the spotters. He recovered well but received red lights from all three referees due to a slight downward movement of the bar.
McDonald already held the NAPF Junior bench press record with 216 kilograms set at the 2023 NAC in the Cayman Islands. He obliterated the record with his opening bench and added another 22.5 kilograms to it by the time his third bench press came around. This is only 13 kilograms shy of the Junior world record currently held by Germany’s Jonah Wiendick.
McDonald’s second pull set the NAPF Junior deadlift record. He jumped to 366.5 kilograms to secure the Junior total world record. He used a conventional stance, and after pulling the slack from the barbell, it came off the platform quickly. The lockout was tough, but he was patient and ultimately successful.
Although he competed in the Junior division, McDonald’s total exceeded the Open class winner’s total by half a kilogram.
2024 NAPF North American Powerlifting Championships Results — Joseph McDonald, 120KG
300 kilograms
320 kilograms
340 kilograms
Bench Press
217.5 kilograms — NAPF Junior North American Record
230 kilograms — NAPF Junior North American Record
240 kilograms — NAPF Junior North American Record
325 kilograms
344 kilograms — NAPF Junior North American Record
366.5 kilograms — NAPF Junior North American Record
Total — 926.5 kilograms — IPF Junior World Record
McDonald is not on the roster for the upcoming 2024 IPF Junior World Championships in Malta, so it’s unclear where he will compete next. However, as he will still be a Junior in 2026, he will have plenty of opportunities to break Junior world records.
Featured image: @kingjosephtv on Instagram
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