# @theipf on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/ClBxmpfrk6a
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20478650-theipf-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/b07ba9fd7d.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-11-16T15:59:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** IPF Powerlifting (@theipf) — https://gondola.cc/theipf

## Caption

In the 74kg class at equipped worlds, reigning world champion Kjell Egil Bakkelund of Norway, got off to a shaky start when his 320kg opening squat was overturned by the jury and turned down on depth. He sank it on his second though and nailed 332.5kg on his third which was enough for the squat silver. 17 time world champion and legend of the sport, Poland’s Jarosław Olech looked on great form, nailing all three squats and taking the gold medal with a phenomenal 355kg.
Alex Ochoa of Ecuador was also in great shape. He finished just off the podium at the last two world championships and also at The World Games this year and he looked determined to finally make the step up this year. He got all three squats in and took the bronze medal with 327.5kg.

Bakkelund also missed his first bench and for a moment, Ochoa led the competition, 2.5kg ahead of Olech. Ochoa added 10kg to this and took the bench gold with 230kg. Bakkelund was successful with 225kg on his second attempt but this was the only one he got. Go Suzuki of Japan hit 217.5kg for the bench bronze and moved up to 4th place.

 Olech meanwhile, quietly continued to put up good lift after good lift and, at sub-total, we had the startling result that Bakkelund, Olech and Ochoa were all on 557.5kg. Olech was the lightest bodyweight with Bakkelund only 40g heavier and Ochoa 50g heavier again.

Ochoa started to slip back a little at this point but he was well clear of Suzuki in 4th and it was clear that he was finally going to make the overall podium. Bakkelund pulled 5kg ahead with his 290kg opener but Olech closed the gap on his second and we went into the final round with these two incredible lifters separated by only 2.5kg.

Olech finished a perfect day with his 9th successful lift – a 310kg deadlift, forcing Bakkelund to attempt 312.5kg for the win. Bakkelund looked focussed as he began his signature slow walk to the platform and asked for the crowd’s support as he approached the bar but, in the end, it was an easy pull and he roared his triumph as he took his 4th world title.

What a brilliant battle between these two titans of the sport. Long may it continue.

#IPF #EquippedWorlds

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## Tags

equippedworlds, ipf

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