Here, Muscle & Fitness is your go-to spot for some of the most compelling stories from the world of strength and sport over the past few days.
Will Danial Zamani be the first to officially bench 800 pounds?
The 800-pound raw bench press race heated up this week when Iranian powerlifter Danial Zamani posted an Instagram video suggesting he lifted a whopping 804 pounds. While the lift is neither ratified nor official, Zamani says he welcomes the opportunity to break the 800lb record on a legitimately recognized platform. In an Instagram comment, he said: "What's most important to me and my trainer Babak Ghazbani @babak_ghazbani was to break 800 pounds on the bench press and I've achieved it now. God willing and with respect to all my sporting seniors around the world who support me, I am ready to attempt 800 pounds in an official world class competition in the near future.
I ask all organizers to give me the opportunity to provide a world class platform in view of breaking the world record in history, inviting the best athletes in the world to prove my number. I promise to try both 800 and 800 lbs at the competition. Trying these numbers multiple times in life is not easy, and I don't want to try them in some random competition. I need a platform worth my lifetime effort.”
The current officially recognized record for a raw bench press is 782 pounds and is held by Julius Maddox ( ) of Owensboro, KY. Word is Maddox is hotly chasing the same £800 crown. Time will tell if this incredible lift can be properly claimed.
The CrossFit Open 2022 is now underway
On Thursday, the CrossFit Games officially released the first workout of 2022, ushering in three weeks of tryouts and showing more hopefuls than any other participatory sporting event on the planet. This first test is called "Workout 22.1" and is open to everyone. All participating athletes have until February 28 at 8:00 p.m. EST to submit their videos for review. This is then followed by new practice for the next 2 Thursdays, with submissions required on each following Monday.
The 22.1 workout will include 4 rounds: RX'd, Foundations, Scaled and Adaptive Divisions and if the promotional video released by the bull CrossFit Games 2022 and demonstrated by Danielle Brandon, ah Ohlsen, Bethany Shadburne and Patrick Vellner is anything to anticipate this could prove to be their toughest season yet. Speaking of Ohlsen, keep an eye out for M&F's exclusive interview with the man himself, coming soon, on how to improve endurance and surpass your own athletic goals.
Courtesy of WWE
On Location adds WWE to its roster of premier sports hospitality experiences
If you need a break after all that CrossFit training but still need an adrenaline rush, you might be pleased to know that On Location, the leader in premium hospitality, announced this week that WWE Pro Wrestling Events will be closed have now been added to an impressive portfolio of games that already include extensive experience with the NFL, UFC, NCAA and the IOC. WWE's legendary grappling events draw fans from far and wide. Case in point: WrestleMania 38 will be held over 2 nights in early April, live from the gargantuan AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, and travelers from all 50 states and dozens of countries around the world are expected to come to the city for the Take Enter the WWE version of the Superbowl.
Beginning in July, On Location will be able to bring fans even closer to the action, starting with the premium live event "Money in the Bank" in Las Vegas, where passionate sports and entertainment fans can expect VIP access, preferred seating and unforgettable moments can moments with their heroes. For more information on finding your perfect place in the WWE Universe, visit: https://onlocationexp.com/wwe/money-in-the-bank-tickets
