# @powerlifting_america on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C38LAWZAgKv
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/11327868-powerlifting-america-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/legacy-do/16ad1d6205904447cf7a6fe4447577c63090fe7c60d949d9a9617cc2d0cd12a8.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-02-29T17:42:45.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Powerlifting America (@powerlifting_america) — https://gondola.cc/powerlifting_america

## Caption

The 66kg class at Classic Nationals might be the most stacked battle of the entire meet. One thing we can say for certain is that 2024 will not see a return champion, as last year’s winner will not be able to return to the nationals platform. Here are the best recent totals of the top nominees:

Daniel Clements 745.5kg (1,643lbs)
Morgan Aquino Garcia 715kg (1,576lbs)
Jonathan Garcia 703kg (1,549lbs)
Charlie Yeng 702.5kg (1,548lbs)
Austin Nikolai 702.5kg (1,548lbs)

The five top contenders have recently totaled within 10kg of the IPF world record of 710.5kg or have already exceeded it, which goes to show how intensely competitive this class is.

Nikolai is a junior opting to compete in the open division in his first appearance at a PA national meet. Between 2022 and 2023, his total shot up by 62.5kg. Yeng, by contrast, is a veteran of the sport, having competed since 2016. He qualified for Classic Worlds in 2020 as a 59kg lifter, but lost his chance to the Covid pandemic. He will now battle for that opportunity in a different weight class. 

Jonathan Garcia holds a title from the inaugural Classic Nationals in 2022 and went on to take the silver medal at Worlds that year. However, he missed out on Worlds in 2023 after placing silver at nationals. He competed at the NAPF championships instead, pushing his world record squat to 275.5kg, and crossing the 700kg barrier with a PR total of 703kg.
 
Morgan Aquino Garcia and Clements have both totalled above the world record while weighing slightly over the 66kg class. On paper, Clements looks the heavy favorite to take it all, but he will need his deadlifts to be on form on the day to secure the win. 

Who will manage to take the crown and guarantee a spot on the national team? Tune in on Thursday, March 14 on the @sbdapparel YouTube page to find out.

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## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Powerlifting America | @powerlifting_america | https://gondola.cc/powerlifting_america | Sports League |
| Marshall Powell | @powellifting | https://gondola.cc/powellifting | Content Producer |
| Marshall Powell | @powellifting | https://gondola.cc/powellifting | Graphic Designer |

## Events

powerlifting america classic open nationals

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