The 2022 Classic Open Nationals took place in Austin, Texas over the weekend on April 1-3 which produced some monstrous lifts. Powerlifter Jonathan Cayco had an unbelievable day on April 2nd, setting numerous records, including an 888kg (1975.5lb) raw total, which is a new American record total and an unofficial world record in the 93 kg weight class. Let's look at his dominant performance that led to his 3rd national championship below.
Jonathan Cayco Sets New Records At the 2022 Classic Open Nationals
Jonathan Cayco went 9 for 9 at the event and became the 3-time national champion! Cayco’s performance was perfection.
Squat was the only lift where it looked like Cayco had a brief pause on the way up. Using only a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps, he managed to get passed the midpoint and finish out the lift.
Cayco’s bench press looked like he had more in the tank as the massive 240.5kg went up seamlessly. He was wearing wrist wraps and used a wide grip to press the weight; this was a truly impressive lift.
Cayco even managed to set a new PR in his third attempt at deadlift with 347.5 kg. As he locked out the weight, he looked over to show his confidence in the lift. Unlike many powerlifters, Cayco doesn’t use a sumo stance; he used a traditional stance with a mixed grip and a lifting belt to muscle up the load.
Cayco seemed satisfied with his performance, and he should be!
Squat:
- 1st Attempt: 282.5kg (622.8lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 290kg (650.3lb)
- 3rd Attempt: 300 kg (661.4lb)
Bench:
- 1st Attempt: 227.5kg (501.5lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 235.5kg (519.2lb)
- 3rd Attempt: 240.5kg (530.2lb) American Record & Unofficial World Record 🥇
Deadlift:
- 1st Attempt: 327.5kg (722lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 342.5kg (755lb)
- 3rd Attempt: 347.5 kg (766.1lb) All time PR
Total: 888 kg (1957.5 lb) American Record Total & Unofficial World Record 🥇
Watch Jonathan Cayco’s performance at the 2022 Classic Open Nationals below:
WHO IS JONATHAN CAYCO?
Jonathan Cayco is an American powerlifter that sometimes goes by Mr. Bench as you can see why from his lifts above. Cayco said he started lifting when he was 11 years old. He fell in love with benching, and at 13 years old, he could press 225lb weighing in at only 130lb.
In his first meet, he met Scott Mendelson (the powerlifting legend), who said Cayco was a natural. At his first meet, the 2015 California Classic, he was 22 years old and weighed in at 198lb. He put up some respectable numbers with:
- Squat: 501.5lb
- Bench: 352.7lb
- Deadlift: 573.2lb
Cayco has competed in 13 sanctioned events by now and has taken first place in 9 of them. Since 2019 he’s won every event he’s competed in; talk about domination.
Last year was perhaps the highlight of his short career when he won the World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sweden.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Cayco showed us once again why he’s a world-class athlete. SET FOR SET congratulates him on another win. Cayco will now set his sights on the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) worlds that is 9 weeks out.
Stay tuned, we'll keep you in the loop with Cayco's record-breaking performances!
Kiel DiGiovanni
Author