Rickey Nelsen Finishes Sixth at World Bench Press Championships

Rickey Nelsen, a powerlifter from Mitchell, showcased his skills at the International Powerlifting Federation World Classic Bench Press Championship held in Warsaw, Poland. Competing in the 66-kilogram Master 1 weight class, Nelsen secured a sixth-place finish in his division for the second year in a row.

On the day of the competition, Nelsen successfully completed a lift of 125 kilograms (approximately 275.58 pounds). However, he was unable to complete his subsequent attempts at 132.5 kilograms, or 292.11 pounds, which would have marked both a personal best and a new state record.

Nelsen's Continued Success in Powerlifting

At 44 years old, this was Nelsen's second consecutive appearance at the world championships. Earlier this year, he defended his title at the Powerlifting America Bench Press Nationals in Las Vegas, where he set a South Dakota state record with a raw bench press of 130 kilograms (286.5 pounds), surpassing his own previous records in both the Open and Masters (M1) divisions.

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The lifts that Nelsen attempted on Monday had the potential to tie him for fourth place with France’s Mehdi Houas, who successfully lifted 132.5 kilograms. Ultimately, the competition was fierce, with Finland's Tapio Peltokangas taking gold with a top lift of 140 kilograms, followed by Ossi Gronlund, also from Finland, with 137.5 kilograms, and Iran's Amir Reza Mesforoosh earning bronze at 135 kilograms.

The World Classic Bench Press Championship is a major event, featuring over 1,300 athletes competing until May 31. Nelsen's participation highlights the growing competitiveness and talent within the powerlifting community, as athletes from around the globe gather to showcase their strength and dedication to the sport.