There were some impressive performances that we got to see over the week at the 2022 USAPL Junior Nationals. However, one performance stood out amongst the rest, with 20-year-old Sean Mills winning the gold medal. His win came in part due to his new USAPL Junior raw squat record of 331kgs (729.7lbs). Let's look at his performance below.
Sean Mills Wins 2022 USAPL Junior Nationals & Sets New Squat Record
The 2022 USAPL Junior Nationals took place from March 27-30th in Westin Lombard, Illinois. The event consisted of multiple records being set, but Mills' raw squat and new American record of almost 730 lbs was definitely one to remember. Mills went 8 for 9 in his lifts, just missing his last deadlift attempt.
Mills competed in the 110 kg (220 lbs) weight class, making his squat more than 3 times his body weight. His squat beat the previous record of 327.5 kg (722 lbs).
Squat
- 310 kg (683.4 lbs)
- 322.5 kg (711 lbs)
- 331 kg (729.7 lbs) —New USAPL Junior Record
Bench Press
- 180 kg (396.8 lbs)
- 187.5 kg (413.4 lbs)
- 192.5 kg (424.4 lbs)
Deadlift
- 312.5 kg (689 lbs)
- 332.5 kg (733 lbs)
- 349.5 kg (770.5 lbs) Unsuccessful
Total: 856 kg (1,887.2 lbs)
Check out Mills' record-setting squat below, where he's wearing a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps to aid with support.
WHO IS SEAN MILLS?
Sean Mills is an American powerlifter that got his start in competitive powerlifting back in 2019. At the age of 17, he entered his first USAPL sanctioned event at the Iron Lion in 2019, where he took first place. Since then, he's competed in 5 more events and has placed first in all, including the most recent 2022 USAPL Junior Nationals.
Mills is now a 3-time National champion! It's also interesting to note that Mills is a Penn State student alongside Liam Newell. Newell also set a record at this same event when he deadlifted 777lbs! Needless to say, Penn State is producing some absolute monsters in the powerlifting space.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Sean Mills continues his dominance in powerlifting, and at 20 years old, this kid is going places! We're almost positive that he will remain on this trajectory as he said in his Instagram posts that he's not satisfied with the performance and will continue to work on his technique so that he doesn't miss any lifts next time.
We'll keep you posted as to the next time Mills steps onto the stage for his redemption.
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