The prolific powerlifter somehow outdid herself in Texas.
Written by Robert Zeglinski
On April 10, 2023, Samantha Rice shared a comprehensive Instagram post recapping her first-place performance in the 90-kilogram weight class at the 2023 USA-UA Pioneer on the Beach.
Rice captured three all-time raw World Records on her squat (267.5 kilograms/589.7 pounds), deadlift (280 kilograms/617.3 pounds), and total (702.5 kilograms/1,548.7 pounds). Rice wore a lifting belt for her top pull and a belt and knee sleeves for her top squat. The contest, which marked the third Pioneer title of Rice’s career (2020-2021, 2023), occurred on April 8, 2023, in South Padre Island, TX.
According to Open Powerlifting, Rice’s squat record milestone officially takes back the 90-kilogram World Record from Sherine Marcelle. Before Rice reclaimed the record, Marcelle had held the record for just about two weeks after scoring a 262.3-kilograms (579-pound) squat at the 2023 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Femme Fatale III.
Regarding Rice’s deadlift, she eclipsed her own previous raw all-time record milestone of 275 kilograms (606.2 pounds). The competitor notched that previous achievement in a first-place performance at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Pro Raw Championships.
Finally, Rice’s new record total also rewrites her own tally in the record books. The previous 90-kilogram all-time raw World Record total of 687.5 kilograms (1,515.6 pounds) was also set by Rice at the 2022 USPA Pro Raw. Rice has added 15 kilograms (33 pounds) to her record total in just about half a year.
Here’s an overview of Rice’s top stats from her Pioneer on the Beach performance:
Samantha Rice (90KG) | 2023 Pioneer on the Beach Top Stats
- Squat — 267.5 kilograms (589.7 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record
- Bench Press — 155 kilograms (341.7 pounds)
- Deadlift — 280 kilograms (617.3 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record
- Total — 702.5 kilograms (1,548.7 pounds) | All-Time Raw World Record
Per Open Powerlifting, Rice’s competitive record dates back to August 2014 and is unblemished. The athlete has never lost a sanctioned powerlifting contest. At this meteoric rate, it’s unclear when or if she ever will.
In her Instagram post, Rice beamed about her latest competitive exploits. She also considered how she might spend a well-earned and lucrative $20,000 cash prize.
“I came home with $20,000, my third Pioneer championship belt, and three all-time World Records,” Rice wrote. “Surrounded by some of the best people in my life … that’s what makes this all worth it. Now, time for a new Momma SUV!”
Featured image: @quadslikemom on Instagram
About Robert Zeglinski
Robert is a seasoned and adept editor and writer with a keen, passionate penchant for the writing craft. He’s been a leader in newsrooms such as SB Nation, USA TODAY, and WBBM Newsradio, with various other content and art production teams, and first made a name for himself in his hometown of Chicago. When not knee-deep in research or lost in a stream of consciousness for a thorough piece, you can find Robert inhaling yet another novel, journaling his heart out, or playing with his Shiba Inu, Maximus (Max, for short).