Career

Rychlak was the first person to perform a bench press

Bench press

The bench press is an exercise of the upper body. For bodybuilding purposes, it is used to stimulate the pectorals, deltoids, and triceps. While on his or her back, the person performing the bench press lowers a weight to the level of the chest, then pushes it back up until the arm is straight...

 of over both 900 lb (408.2 kg) and 1000 lb (453.6 kg). His bodyweight is in excess of 345 lb (156 kg). Rychlak previously held the record for the world's heaviest assisted bench press of 1010 lb (457 kg) December 16, 2006 in Lake George, NY. This record is now held by Ryan Kennelly

Ryan Kennelly

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 bench press with a lift of 1075 lbs during the Pride Strength Wars held in Kennewick, Washington...

, who has lifted 1075 lbs in the same lift.

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

External links

• Gene Rychlak Power Systems - The official website
• Gene Rychlak - Gene's stats and pictures