Temasek Poly Student Breaks Deadlift Work Record
At just 18 years old, Singaporean powerlifter Muhammad Hazrul has etched his name into the record books by breaking the deadlift world record at the 2026 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championships in Sun City, South Africa. Competing in the Sub-Junior Men’s 66kg category, the Temasek Polytechnic student successfully pulled an incredible 273kg, eclipsing the previous global standard of 271kg and securing a commendable second-place finish overall in his division.
Hazrul’s introduction to the sport happened almost by accident. Growing up with an active interest in sports, a young Hazrul initially turned to a commercial gym simply "to pass the time" after failing to secure a spot on his secondary school’s football team. There, his raw physique and work ethic caught the eye of a senior athlete who recognized his untapped potential and introduced him to powerlifting. Finding a natural affinity for the iron, Hazrul dedicated the next three and a half years to the discipline. Following a strong second-place finish at the 2025 Singapore Nationals, he set his sights firmly on the ultimate global stage.
Reaching that level, however, required immense personal sacrifice. Determined not to burden his mother financially—turning down her offers of assistance—Hazrul shouldered the entire cost of funding his dream himself.
He took on a part-time job at an Anytime Fitness gym, balancing his professional shifts alongside the grueling demands of academic studies and heavy training blocks. Describing the relentless pace, Hazrul noted that he would cycle between school, work, training, and studying without a single day off. It was a grueling, solitary path, sustained only by the belief that every hardship brought him closer to his ultimate ambition.
When competition day arrived in South Africa, the sheer scale of the event nearly overwhelmed him. Stepping onto the platform under the glare of the lights and knowing thousands were tuning in via the global livestream triggered heavy competition nerves. An initial attempt at the record weight faltered due to physical cramps and high-stakes jitters. However, showing composure uncommon for his years, he reset for his final attempt and hauled the 273kg barbell up to lock out the historic lift. Overwhelmed by the emotional release of months spent grinding through fatigue, work, and training, he collapsed to the floor in sheer disbelief before a coach rushed in to help him stand.
Later that evening, sitting on a shuttle bus back to his hotel with a silver medal hanging around his neck, the magnitude of his accomplishment finally set in, bringing tears of joy. With this milestone achieved in his final year as a Sub-Junior athlete, Hazrul is already looking ahead to the Junior Under-23 division. Reflecting on his meteoric rise, the young record-breaker noted that the journey taught him a vital lesson: dreams are not meant to stay passive thoughts, but require relentless, uncompromising work to become reality. ----------
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