Julius Maddox: The World Record Bench Press Holder

Julius Maddox, born on May 13, 1987, in Owensboro, Kentucky, USA, is a professional powerlifter renowned for his extraordinary bench press abilities. Maddox holds the world record for the raw bench press, a feat that has solidified his reputation as one of the strongest men in the world.

Early Life and Struggles

Julius Maddox's journey to greatness was far from straightforward. He grew up in Owensboro, facing numerous challenges throughout his youth. Maddox was raised in a low-income neighbourhood and struggled with addiction and legal issues as a young man. His troubled past included time spent in and out of jail, battling with substance abuse, which nearly derailed his life.

However, his story took a dramatic turn when he decided to turn his life around. Maddox found solace and purpose in the gym, discovering that lifting weights could be an outlet for his frustrations and a path to a better life. His natural strength and determination quickly became evident, and he started focusing on powerlifting, particularly the bench press, which would soon become his signature lift.

Rise to Fame and World Records

Julius Maddox's rise in the powerlifting world was meteoric. In 2017, he began competing in powerlifting meets, quickly making a name for himself due to his incredible bench press strength. In 2019, he broke the American bench press record with a lift of 723 pounds (328 kg), which was a precursor to even greater achievements.

On August 31, 2019, Maddox set the official world record for the raw bench press by lifting an astonishing 739.6 pounds (335 kg) at the Boss of Bosses meet in Mountain View, California. He did not stop there; on February 21, 2020, at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, he surpassed his own record by bench pressing 770 pounds (349 kg).

Maddox continued to push the boundaries of human strength. On June 20, 2020, at a special event organized by the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF), he bench pressed 782.6 pounds (355 kg), further extending his world record.

Legacy and Impact

Julius Maddox's achievements have had a significant impact on the sport of powerlifting and beyond. He has inspired countless individuals with his story of redemption and his incredible strength. Maddox is not just known for his physical feats but also for his work outside of powerlifting. He is a motivational speaker and an advocate for overcoming adversity, often sharing his story of battling addiction and finding purpose through faith, family, and fitness.

In addition to his world records, Maddox has set his sights on becoming the first person to bench press 800 pounds raw, a goal he continues to pursue with relentless dedication. His journey from a troubled youth to the world's strongest bench presser serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the human spirit.