Larry Wheels expressed excitement about Ridenour’s participation in his private powerlifting meet. The event featured only 11 lifters and lasted about four hours. To keep energy high, athletes warmed up directly on the competition platform before each attempt.
Wheels reflected on the advantages of such private meets. He wished more events like this had been available during his prime. At larger competitions, where he and Dan Green often competed, long breaks—sometimes up to 10 hours—occurred between squats and deadlifts. This made it difficult for athletes to stay ready for world-record attempts.
Cohen, another participant, added that smaller, well-organized meets offer valuable experience. She said they prepare new powerlifters better for future competitions.
Bench Press
Ridenour began warming up with lighter weights. He noted how tough it is to wait long periods before the first attempt. For his bench press, he lifted 125 kilograms (275 pounds) for one rep. Then, with Wheels spotting, he increased to 152 kilograms (335 pounds). Finally, he finished with a successful max lift of 163 kilograms (360 pounds).
Deadlift
Although Ridenour usually trains sumo deadlifts, he aimed to set a personal record in the conventional deadlift. Despite not eating much that day, he felt good and said this can help with deadlifting.
He warmed up with a 70-kilogram (155-pound) triple and then a 120-kilogram (265-pound) double. After adjusting his weightlifting belt and gripping the bar, he lifted 220 kilograms (485 pounds) and 270 kilograms (595 pounds).
Using weightlifting chalk, Ridenour began the main session with an easy 317.5 kilograms (700 pounds). His second attempt was 329 kilograms (725 pounds), a new personal record. He explained, “700 pounds was my max before this. I crushed that as an opener. The second attempt was 725. I scratched my third attempt because I don’t want to push too hard. I compete too often. I want to stay healthy and in good shape.”
Squat
Ridenour did not attempt any squats. However, Blake Wendt successfully bench pressed 227 kilograms (501 pounds) and squatted 312.5 kilograms (689 pounds).
Cohen demonstrated her strength with a 102-kilogram (225-pound) bench press, a 161-kilogram (355-pound) squat, and a 213-kilogram (470-pound) deadlift. She tried to lift 227 kilograms (500 pounds) on her final deadlift but was unable to lock it out.
