First published on IPF social media 5th May 2023
We are in for some explosive action in the 57kg class at Classic Worlds. Jade Jacob has recently exerted dominance in class but there is a new challenger to face. Here are the top 5 nominations:
Jade Jacob FRA 503.5kg
Natalie Richards USA 501.5kg
Bobbie Butters GBR 470kg
Maiara da Silva Dias ESP 463kg
Andrea Riley ISV 452.5kg
Let's start by saying that Butters' nomination is a little lowballed. She wasn't pushed at British nationals and so coasted to victory on an easy 470kg whereas she did 483kg at Euros. She was in the audience to see Jacob attempt to take her squat world record at Sheffield a few weeks ago so I'm sure she's going to want to push it as high as she can. She looks to have some clearance to the rest of the field but she's going to have to really push to make any progress against those ahead.
Jacob took overall third place at Sheffield, taking the deadlift world record from Joy Nnamani at 231kg and the total record at 503.5kg. It's hard to see Jade as anything other than the out and out favourite in the 57kg class. She has momentum. She is straight off the back of a phenomenal, historic performance at Sheffield. She missed out on her first open world title last year by half a kilo and she's going to want to secure it this time out.
However, here comes Natalie Richards. She was the first 57kg lifter to break through the 500kg barrier at US nationals, a month before Sheffield and it should be noted that this total did not contain her best squat or bench so we think there is more to come there. However, she has so far never lifted outside the US.
Can she take the challenge to the French lifter? Tune in to find out. Streamed live on the Olympic Channel and our Facebook page as part of Day 2 PrimeTime, it will be 7pm on Monday 12th June.
Who are you cheering for? Let us know in the comments.
Graphic: @strength.journal
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