Ryan Kennelly is an American powerlifter who specializes in the bench press. As of November 8, 2008, Kennelly holds the World Powerlifting Organization world record in the assisted (geared) bench press with a lift of 1075 lbs (489 kg) during the Pride Strength Wars held in Kennewick, Washington.[1] This world record is classified as an equipped world record, meaning the lift is performed with the aid of a bench shirt. Kennelly has also bench pressed an unequipped 655 lbs (297 kg) in competition.
His current record was the third time in 2008 that he had broken the bench press world record. On April 12, 2008, Kennelly set the bench press record with a lift of 1070 lbs (486 kg) during the American Powerlifting Association Open Iron War held in Kennewick, Washington.[2]
On July 12, 2008, Kennelly successfully bench pressed 1074 lbs (488 kg) during the United Powerlifting Association Bench Bash For Cash in Dubuque, Iowa.[3]
Kennelly is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m), making him one of the tallest bench press specialists in active competition.[4]