Home / Data Study: Top Australian Raw Lifters: Secret of a Big Bench Press

DATA STUDY: TOP AUSTRALIAN RAW LIFTERS

SECRETS OF A BIG BENCH PRESS.

We analysed the performance of over 11,000 Australian lifters to find out what it takes to get a big bench 

Updated 14 February 2025

Our latest data study dives deep into the top 100 raw, drug-tested bench press performances in Australia, using insights from Open Powerlifting. We analysed over 11,000 lifters to uncover the key factors behind a massive bench press.

The bench press is the ultimate measure of strength, and it's often the first question heard in any gym—"How much do you bench?"— making it the perfect lift to gauge raw power. We have filtered by raw lifters (no supporting bench shirts), these lifters represent pure strength and dedication, offering a clear picture of what it takes to dominate the bench press.
 

Key findings include the dominance of heavier lifters and the rise of a new generation of record-breakers. Lifters weighing over 130kg make up 65% of the top 20, while 80% of the top lifts have been achieved since 2015, signaling a shift in performance levels. Older lifters also hold their own, showing that experience and longevity still play a role at the elite level.

 

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Top bench press by state

Data insights of the top 100 lifters

Bodyweight vs. strength

Age vs. strength

New young record breakers

1968 paralympian record still holds true

How to improve your bench press, according to the best.

TOP BENCH PRESS BY STATE

INSIGHTS: VIC  |  NSW  |  QLD 

*Australian tested lifters only, raw only, in competition, all weight classes.

VICTORIA

1ST - Biggest Bench Press in Australia: 258kg (2019-10-26) , Sane Faatoe
 

1ST - Biggest Squat in Australia: 402kg (2023-09-23), Tony Reinmuth
 

NEW SOUTH WALES

2ND - Biggest Squat in Australia: 375kg (2018-09-02), Daniel Curry
 

3RD - Biggest Bench Press in Australia: 242.5kg (2021-11-21), Andrew Caltabiano
 

QUEENSLAND 

1ST - Biggest Deadlift in Australia: 364kg (2020-09-26), Nicholai Cushing


3RD - Biggest Squat in Australia: 358kg (2018-05-05), Tryon Senituli
 

INSIGHTS FROM THE TOP 100 BENCH MONSTERS

What it takes to bench with the best in Australia? 

We’ve crunched the numbers on the top 100 lifters, and the results are clear. Heavier lifters dominate the leaderboard, with 65% of the top 20 weighing over 130kg. Experience also matters—older lifters that have been lifting over time are still pushing massive weights. But a new wave of record-breakers has emerged, with 80% of top lifts set since 2015. And don’t miss the story of Vic Renalson, the Paralympian who shattered a 200kg bench press record back in 1968, which still stands the test of time today.

 

1. 65% OF THE TOP 20 BENCH PRESSERS WEIGH MORE THAN 130KG

More than 40% of Australia’s top 100 bench pressers weigh over 130kg, proving that size really does matter when it comes to pushing massive weights. These heavyweights dominate the leaderboards, showing that mass and muscle often go hand in hand. 

This will come to no surprise to experience lifters, but be sure to check out a few of the outliners later in this article. 

2. OLDER LIFTERS HOLD STRONG IN THE TOP 20

While younger lifters are making their mark, many of the top 20 bench pressers are older, showing that experience and longevity in the sport pay off. 

 

These seasoned athletes have maintained their strength and continue to perform at the highest levels, proving that experience and ability to chip away each day will lead to big results.

3. NEW ERA OF YOUNG RECORD BREAKERS: 80% OF TOP LIFTS ACHIEVED SINCE 2015

The emergence of these young lifters in the last few years represents a new era of strength sports in Australia, where younger athletes are increasingly pushing the limits and setting the stage for future records.

4. VIC RENALSON: THE PARALYMPIAN WHO SET A HISTORIC 200 KG BENCH PRESS RECORD IN 1968

Vic Renalson, an Australian Paralympian, set a remarkable 200 kg bench press record in 1968 during the Paralympic Games in Israel. Renalson, who competed in the heavyweight category, was a trailblazer in para-powerlifting. 

Born with a spinal cord injury, he went on to win multiple gold medals across different sports, including athletics and powerlifting, during his Paralympic career. 

 

His 1968 bench press record stands as one of the oldest and most significant achievements in Australian strength sports history, showcasing his incredible determination and strength.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BENCH PRESS, ACCORDING TO THE BEST.

Nathan Young: "A 24-Year-Old Bench Pressing Superstar"

At 24, Nathan Young has already set a 232.5 kg bench press record in 2024, putting him among Australia’s elite. Weighing 104 kg, Nathan’s rapid rise suggests he could be a future star in powerlifting, with the potential to push even further in the coming years.

 

"My biggest tip for someone looking to build a big bench press is consistency. So many people don’t progress simply because they lack the discipline to consistently show up to the gym and put in the work with repetition. It baffles me when people expect to grow in a movement like the bench press without consistently practicing it.

 

Another key point is that to improve your bench press, you need to perform the exercise regularly. While dumbbells are suitable for building strength, they aren’t a substitute for the actual bench press movement. To really excel in the bench press, you have to focus on the movement itself. "

 

Tony Reinmuth: "Second Strongest and Eyeing the Top Spot"

Tony Reinmuth ranks second in Australia with a massive 248 kg bench press, set in 2019 at 29 years old. Weighing 166.9 kg, Tony is within reach of the top spot, especially since the current record holder, Sane Faatoe, hasn’t competed since 2020. With Tony still active in competition, he could soon become Australia’s number one bench presser.

"Upping your bench press frequency can push progress, but mastering and maintaining perfect form is what truly elevates your performance. Higher frequency is good; perfect form is better"

 

 

Anthony Hill: "21 and Benching 195 kg—A Rising Star"

At just 21 years old, Anthony Hill has already bench pressed 195 kg in 2024. Weighing 102.1 kg, his strength-to-weight ratio marks him as one of Australia’s promising young lifters, with the potential to become a leading figure in the sport.

 

"Training bench press is a slow hard grind do the training and the numbers will come over time."

 

REFERENCES & METHOD

To uncover insights from over 11,000 Australian lifters, we used data from Open Powerlifting, focusing exclusively on raw, drug-tested athletes. Using tools like PowerBI, we broke down lifter profiles by state and analysed key performance trends. The data is up-to-date as of 15 September 2024 and reflects lifters from all powerlifting federations in Australia. If you spot any inaccuracies or want further details, contact us. We will try to keep this analysis will be updated regularly to stay current.

Open Powerlifting:  https://www.openpowerlifting.org/rankings/raw/all-australia-tested/by-bench
 

Wikipedia (Vic Renalson): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vic_Renalson

 
Title

CONTENT AUTHOR:

Adam B. / Director, Turtle Strength

Experience: 20+ years lifting

Adam is passionate about powerlifting, strength training and digital marketing. Created Turtle Strength to find the best possible product to meet the needs of training. 

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