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Anthony Clark

Updated: Jun 12


"POWER COMES FROM GOD."

You can't make a Mount Rushmore of the best bench pressers without including the enormous, powerful, 335lb pioneer, Anthony Clark. In 1986, Anthony bench-pressed 600 pounds in a single-ply shirt as a teenager. In 1992, he was the first man to bench press 700 lbs (sp), which he executed with a reverse grip. That wouldn't be the first time Anthony made history, as he would come back in 1993 to press 735 lbs at the USPF northwest open, eviscerating his previous record. 

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At the 1997 Arnold Classic, he would traverse into unknown territory by successfully benching 800 lbs (sp), which he also used a reverse grip for, as he was quoted as saying he quit benching with a regular grip in the 90s. Unfortunately, this lift would later be overturned. But this didn't nullify the lift itself and still stands as an enormous step into the unknown for future generations to bench huge numbers. 

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Anthony wasn't a one-dimensional powerlifter, his single-ply squat stands at 1025 lbs, beside a 1031 lb multi-ply squat. His personal bests off record were an 1100 lbs squat (sp), 805 lbs bench (sp), and 771 lbs deadlift. He also pushed a 6000 lbs elephant in a heavy-duty wheelbarrow in Japan during a strongman show. Anthony was a massive guy, sitting around 335 lbs bodyweight, Kenny Patterson was quoted as saying "he was one of the biggest guys he'd ever seen". 

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His total in single-ply stands at 2,408 lbs, and his multi-ply total is 2,531 lbs. His competitive endeavors spanned from 1984 to 2001, with his last meet being at the age of 34. At a meet in Texas, Anthony lost his footing with 1,000 lbs on his back and almost lost his life. This freak accident could have been fatal, but Anthony was no ordinary man. He set IPF world records and is a member of the York Barbell Hall of Fame.

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He was a mentor to many kids and gave inspirational seminars to a variety of people including inmates. He was a man of faith, never-ending power, and unwavering determination to master his craft. Unfortunately, Anthony passed away in 2005 at 38 years old from a heart attack and subsequent kidney failure. Although his physical presence is gone, his impact on the sport of powerlifting is eternal. 




Is Anthony Clark on your Mount Rushmore of the best benchers of all time?

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  • NO


 
 
 

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