Gene Rychlak

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Gene Rychlak, Jr., an American powerlifter, was the first human being to perform a bench press of over both 900 lb (408 kg) and 1000 lb (453 kg). His bodyweight is in excess of 345 lb (156 kg).

At the 2005 Mr Olympia bodybuilding competition, Rychlak attempted to break his own record by pressing 1015 lb (460 kg). Gene was unable to complete the press, and despite having several spotters around him, the weight fell onto his body. Amazingly, Rychlak suffered no serious injuries from the accident.

[edit] World Record

Rychlak held the record for the world's heaviest bench press of 1005 lb (456 kg) from November of 2004 until February of 2006, when it was bested by rival Scot Mendelson. Mendelson added 3.5 pounds to the record, achieving a 1008 lb (457 kg) bench press.