Marcinkowski sets world record at single lift event

By Lethbridge Herald on June 30, 2023.

Herald photo by JUSTIN SEWARD Mike Marcinkowski displays his medals from The World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation World Championship Single Lift 2023 in Italy.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Coaldale powerlifter Mike Marcinkowski podiumed for Poland at The World Drug -Free Powerlifting Federation World Championship Single Lift 2023 in Sardinia, Italy recently.

What may be more impressive is that Marcinkowski set a world record in the unequipped deadlift as he was able to lift 399 pounds (181 kilograms) over his shoulders on his fourth try.

“You know like deadlift, is always my best events and I like push myself you know to get some high numbers ,” he said.

In order to achieve a world record, Marcinkowski said when you move to the different age group, it more easy when you carry a high number in a weight.

“So this time I was very close to (doing) that,” he said.

“So I went for it. You know, I successfully achieve (it).”

Over the three-day event, there was 200 competitors each day at the championship in the single events.

“Some guys, you know, they’re competing (only)  in one because they have some issues with legs or some weight,” he said.

He also won the squat unequipped category with a weight of 264.5 pounds (120 kilograms) and placed second in the bench unequipped category with a final lift of 187 pounds.

He won the 70-74 age category and the weight category of 148.8 pounds (67.5 kilograms).

He competed for Canada up until 2015 and changed to his native Poland after sponsorship issues.

He has won a number of medals and titles in past years.

Marcinkowski started powerlifting in 1998.