Thompson is uber-talented and full of determination.
Jen Thompson, arguably the best bench presser in the world, is a ten-time World Champion in the 63 kg division. But as the weight class becomes more competitive–and as Thompson ages (she’s 45 years old)–many people wonder.
Is Thompson’s time up? My answer? No way!
These days she is focusing on squats and deadlifts. But she’ll do well in both areas, too. That’s because she already excels at the bench press. She holds the national record–and not by a small margin, either—at 319 lbs. It’s not unusual for competitors to fall about by about 40 lbs of that.
Courtesy: MyStrengthBook
Thompson’s unique training style (she holds at the top portion of the movement) has allowed her to continually overload despite going beyond elite levels. It is nearly impossible in the next decade that her record will be surpassed.
And even though she’s not as proficient in squat and deadlift performances, that doesn’t mean she’ll continue to lag. It comes down to the deadlift because people typically can lift the most weight on that movement. Thompson’s recent training videos show that she has improved in the lift, hitting 395 lbs. for a triple.
Her best competition deadlift remains in the low 400s. That outcome suggests that Thompson will likely score big numbers at her next major competition.
Thompson strives for the long-term in squat training, too. Although powerlifting is a competition of strength (not aesthetics), time is necessary to build the strongest total in the long run. Most recently, Thompson was doing high reps and lots of volume with her squats. That’s a clear sign that she’s willing to put in the time for quality quad development.
If done correctly, she should be able to develop a decent amount of muscle in her legs without that becoming a detriment to her other lifts. Despite competing in the 63 kg. division, she has weighed in at the 60-61 kg range, giving her just enough wiggle room.
There are always ways to increase the numbers. What stops a career is the lack of will to keep working around plateaus and injuries. I see Thompson as being humble enough to identify areas where she does not excel and smart enough to fix those deficiencies.
Jen Tompson is here to stay!
