Hart breaks world record bench press

James Hart, better known as “Red,” has broken another world record in bench press. This past weekend, Hart traveled to Virginia Beach to compete in the Raw Powerlifting Federation 2024 World Championships, where he took part in the 80+ age division.

Hart won the competition and set a new world record in the 148–164-pound weight class, bench pressing 215 pounds—smashing the previous record of 198 pounds set by Joe Stockinger in 2014.

Each competitor was allowed three single attempts, with the best lift counting toward the final score. Hart, who has been training at the Eastern Shore Family YMCA in Onley, says his preparation paid off.

This isn’t Hart’s first world record. In 2015, he set a record in the 70–75 age division in Virginia Beach, surpassing the previous record by 25 pounds. Unfortunately, that record was broken a few years ago.