Natural Powerlifting: Defining "Best," Key Figures, and Evolution

Who is the best natural powerlifter?

Identifying the "best" natural powerlifter is a complex endeavor, as the title is highly subjective and dependent on various criteria, making a definitive single answer elusive.

Defining "Best" in Powerlifting

The concept of "best" in any sport is inherently multifaceted, and powerlifting is no exception. When we talk about the "best natural powerlifter," we must consider several critical factors beyond just the highest absolute total. These include:

• Absolute Strength vs. Relative Strength: A lifter with the highest total weight lifted might not be considered "best" if they compete in a super heavyweight class. Relative strength formulas, such as the Wilks Score, Dots Score, or IPF GL Points, attempt to normalize performance across different body weights, providing a more equitable comparison.
• Longevity and Consistency: Is the "best" someone who had a single peak performance, or someone who consistently performed at an elite level for many years, adapting to rule changes and new competition?
• Multi-Federation Success: While "natural" implies drug-tested federations, some lifters may have competed successfully across multiple legitimate platforms.
• Technical Proficiency: Beyond raw strength, the ability to execute lifts with optimal form, maximizing efficiency and minimizing injury risk, is a mark of true mastery.
• Impact on the Sport: Some lifters transcend their numbers, influencing training methodologies, inspiring future generations, or elevating the sport's profile.

The "Natural" Distinction: A Critical Consideration

The term "natural" is paramount to this discussion. It specifically refers to athletes who compete drug-free, typically verified through rigorous anti-doping testing protocols. This distinction is crucial because anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs significantly alter an athlete's potential for strength, recovery, and muscle growth.

• Drug-Tested Federations: When discussing natural powerlifting, the focus is generally on federations affiliated with or adhering to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, such as the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and its national affiliates (e.g., USA Powerlifting - USAPL). These organizations conduct extensive testing, including out-of-competition tests, to ensure a level playing field.
• Challenges in Verification: While federations strive for clean sport, the reality of anti-doping is an ongoing battle. The "best" natural lifter must be someone whose performances are unequivocally attributed to genetics, training, nutrition, and dedication, not illicit substances.

Key Metrics for Evaluating Powerlifting Prowess

To objectively compare lifters, specific metrics are commonly used:

• Total: The sum of the best successful attempt in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. This is the primary measure of a powerlifter's overall strength.
• Relative Strength Formulas:
  • Wilks Score: An older, widely recognized formula that relates a lifter's total to their body weight, allowing for comparisons across weight classes.
  • Dots Score: A more recent formula, often used in IPF-affiliated federations, designed to be more equitable than Wilks, particularly for lighter and heavier lifters.
  • IPF GL Points: The current official scoring system used by the IPF, which aims to provide the most accurate cross-weight class comparison.
• World Records: Holding world records in specific lifts or the total within one's weight class is a strong indicator of elite performance.

Prominent Figures in Natural Powerlifting History

While naming a single "best" is contentious, several natural powerlifters are consistently cited in discussions of unparalleled strength, technical mastery, and competitive dominance within drug-tested environments. These individuals have set benchmarks and inspired countless others:

• Mike Tuchscherer (USA): Known for his longevity, strategic approach to training (Reactive Training Systems), and multiple IPF World Championship titles in the 120kg class. He is celebrated for his intellectual contribution to the sport as much as his raw strength.
• Jennifer Thompson (USA): An absolute legend in the raw bench press, holding multiple world records across various weight classes. Her consistency, technical precision, and ability to bench press more than double her body weight make her one of the most dominant lifters ever, regardless of gender.
• Taylor Atwood (USA): A multiple-time IPF World Champion in the 74kg class, known for his incredible relative strength and explosive lifting. He has pushed the boundaries of what's possible in his weight class, consistently delivering record-breaking performances.
• Russel Orhii (USA): Dominant in the 83kg class, holding multiple IPF World Championship titles and setting impressive world records. His powerful and consistent performances have made him a standout in recent years.
• Jesse Norris (USA): Though his career was shorter, Norris achieved remarkable raw totals in the 93kg class, often considered ahead of his time in terms of raw strength. His records, while some have been surpassed, remain benchmarks of natural potential.

It's crucial to understand that new talent emerges, and records are constantly broken. The "best" today might be surpassed tomorrow, reflecting the continuous evolution and progress within the sport.

The Evolving Landscape of Natural Powerlifting

The sport of natural powerlifting is dynamic. Training methodologies become more sophisticated, nutritional science advances, and more individuals are dedicating themselves to the sport at an elite level. This means:

• Records are Constantly Broken: What was once considered an unattainable total becomes the new standard.
• Increased Depth of Talent: More lifters are achieving elite numbers across various weight classes, making competition fiercer than ever.
• Global Reach: Powerlifting is growing worldwide, bringing diverse talent pools to the forefront.

Beyond the Numbers: The Legacy of a Natural Powerlifter

Ultimately, the "best" natural powerlifter is not solely defined by the numbers on the scoreboard. It also encompasses:

• Sportsmanship: How they conduct themselves on and off the platform.
• Influence: Their ability to inspire and educate others.
• Contribution to the Sport: Whether through coaching, advocacy, or simply being a positive role model.

Conclusion: Acknowledging Excellence

Given the subjective nature of "best," the varying criteria, and the continuous evolution of the sport, definitively naming a single "best natural powerlifter" is an oversimplification. Instead, it is more accurate to celebrate the pantheon of exceptional natural powerlifters who have pushed the boundaries of human strength within drug-free parameters. These athletes, through their dedication, discipline, and remarkable physical prowess, exemplify the pinnacle of natural strength and serve as an inspiration for all who pursue excellence in powerlifting.