Cranon Worford Claims First IPF World Title with World Record Squat and Total of 625.5kg
**Cranon Worford Wins First IPF World Title with World Record Squat and 625.5kg Total**
Cranon Worford has achieved a remarkable victory by securing her first IPF World Championship title in the women's 76kg division at the 2026 IPF World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships, held in Druskininkai, Lithuania.
The American lifter delivered an impressive performance across all three events, totaling 625.5kg. This included a 238kg squat, a 132.5kg bench press, and a 255kg deadlift. This victory marks another milestone in her celebrated powerlifting career.
Worford entered the competition as a strong contender, having shown consistent improvement in recent years. She took home a bronze medal in 2024 and a silver in 2025 before finally achieving gold in 2026.
**World Record Squat Sets the Tone**
Worford kicked off the competition with a stunning squat performance. She started with an opening lift of 217.5kg and then made a successful second attempt with 230kg. With growing confidence, she attempted 238kg for her final lift, which was smoothly completed, earning her three white lights. This lift earned her a new World Open Squat Record and an early lead in a highly competitive weight class.
This achievement was a significant improvement from her last World Championships performance. During the Powerlifting World YouTube broadcast, commentators highlighted her impressive progression, stating, “Last year’s Worlds, she left with 222.5. This year’s Worlds, attempting to leave with 238 in the world record. Year over year her progress has been staggering.”
Her successful lift set her up as the athlete to surpass.
**Building Momentum on the Bench Press**
Worford maintained her strong performance during the bench press segment. She began with a lift of 120kg, followed by a successful attempt of 127.5kg. On her final attempt, she pressed 132.5kg, adding another five kilograms to her total and solidifying her lead.
At the end of the bench press, Worford had built a significant lead over her competitors, heading into the deadlift with a firm grip on the competition.
**Securing Gold with a Massive Deadlift**
The deadlift brought more achievements for Worford. She opened with a successful lift of 225kg and followed with a 245kg attempt. With the gold medal within reach, she called for 255kg on her final pull. This lift was tough, requiring strength near lockout, but she completed it successfully, finishing with a total of 625.5kg. This performance was just three kilograms shy of the current world record total.
As she completed her final lift, the Powerlifting World commentators noted, “625.5 total, three kilos off the world record total, a huge final pull for Cranon Worford and does her job to take that world title.”
**A Historic Achievement**
At a bodyweight of 75.7kg, Worford's performance was one of the highlights of the championship and she was crowned the new world champion in one of powerlifting’s most demanding categories.
With a world record squat, a total of 625.5kg, and her first gold medal on a prominent stage, Worford has marked her breakthrough moment in the sport.
