The 2024 IPF World Bench Press Championships in Austin, Texas, featured many thrilling moments, but few were as captivating as Andrew Ward’s performance. Competing in the highly competitive 74 kg Open division, Ward demonstrated not only his strength but also his resilience and determination on the world stage.
Watch the personal best below, or the full category performance here:
Results
World Bench Press Championships, Austin, Texas, USA, 22 May 2024 (IPF, classic).
| Lift | Attempt 1 | Attempt 2 | Attempt 3 | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bench press | 157.5 kg | 167.5 kg | 175 kg | 175 kg |
| Place | Bodyweight | Class | Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th | 73.8 kg | Under 74 kg | Open |
Results: OpenPowerlifting
Andrew Ward, a lifter steadily making a name for himself in the powerlifting community, has always shown promise. Known for his dedication and consistent progress, Ward’s journey to the World Championships has been marked by steady improvements and a drive to push his limits. Competing in the 74 kg category, Ward entered the championships with high expectations from both his supporters and himself.
Sporting his signature cowboy hat around the competition venue, Ward showed a blend of confidence and calmness that came from his experience on the platform. Although only six years into his powerlifting career, Ward has already earned a reputation for solid performances at previous World Bench Press events, including a podium finish in Sun City.
The big moment: a new personal best
Ward began his championship campaign with a solid 157.5 kg bench press, a lift he made look almost effortless. This was just the beginning, as he quickly moved up to 167.5 kg for his second attempt. Once again, Ward showed he was more than ready for the challenge, executing the lift with precision.
However, the real highlight of Ward’s day came with his third attempt. In a bid to surpass his previous personal best, Ward decided to go all in, setting the bar at a massive 175 kg. This weight represented not just a challenge but a significant leap forward in his career. The audience watched with bated breath as Ward approached the bench, knowing this was a critical moment.
As he settled under the bar, the atmosphere in the venue was electric. Ward lowered the bar with controlled precision, and though there was a slight hiccup during the descent, his immense strength and focus saw him muscle the bar back into position. With a determined push, Ward completed the lift, securing a new personal best that confirmed his standing as a formidable competitor in the 74 kg class.
A photo with some of the best 74 kg benchers in the world. Team 74 kg at the Bench Press World Champs in Austin, Texas:
- Ivan Chuprynko
- Kosei Yokoyama
- Austin Perkins
- Derek Logrande
- Sakai Kazuhiro
- Andrew Ward
- Loc Nguyen
