Clearfields Clarke sets world powerlifting record

CLEARFIELD – Clearfield native Rachel Clarke discovered a passion for powerlifting as a teenager. After a few years away, she returned to the sport and became one of the most decorated lifters in her class along the way.

On April 20 at the 2024 York Barbell/Weightlifting Hall of Fame National Masters Championship event, Clarke set a world record with a deadlift of 451.9 pounds in a 100% sanctioned event Raw Powerlifting Federation, a 100% drug free federation. Her impressive performance in this most recent competition helped her qualify for a world championship event in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in November. I was surprised I got it, but I’m really excited about the next competition, Clarke said. It is also a privilege to represent my hometown and my country. I hope this can encourage more women to take up powerlifting. I understand it’s scary to start, but I think women would have a better image if they give it a chance.

Clarkes most recent accolades not only included a world record deadlift, but also a 330-pound squat and a 154-pound bench press. His back squat and bench press were also personal bests contributing to a total weight of 936 pounds. Clarke also swept the push-and-pull events, posting the best overall start of her entire powerlifting career. Her performance helped her not only win first place in her category, but also take home the award for best lifter in the entire competition.

I owe a lot of credit to my coach, Vanessa Lettich. She is the main reason I was able to act this way and get to this point. He convinced me to get involved with his programming and the 13 week lifting and nutrition program he put me through was fantastic. The last few weeks were very hard, but they prepared me for the competition.

This recent performance isn’t his only strong outing last year. In November 2023, Clarke competed at the 41st Annual Central Pennsylvania Open Powerlifting & Coal Country Strict Curl / Bench Press Championships in Clearfield. He set an event record for his class in the deadlift with a mark of over 429 pounds. In just six months, Clarke has improved his deadlift even more, but is still short of his current goal of deadlifting 465 pounds. I hit my back squat goal in April at 330 lbs, but I’m still pushing towards my personal bench press goal of 165 and deadlift of 465. I know I can get there.

The hardest part of the current program that Clarke recently completed, in her opinion, was the discipline with meal planning and the discipline to not only portion but eat the right amount of carbs, macros, micros and protein. In general, this is one of the most difficult aspects for all athletes, regardless of the sport. The investment in this part of his preparation definitely made a difference and Clarke has recognized not only on the national stage, but on the world stage.

Clarkes time as a powerlifter began in 2006 and continued in earnest until 2011. He started at Al Seigels Gym in the basement of Siegel Engraving shortly after his high school basketball career concluded. He progressed well and began competing for a few years before taking time off to address his health. His goal was to eventually return to the sport, which he did in 2021. However, the return was to the world of Cross-Fit lifting. This stint was a fairly short-lived venture, however, as the gym where he regularly trained closed in the fall of 2023.

That’s what led her to return to powerlifting and join REAKT Fighting Arts & Fitness in DuBois. The results have certainly paid off in just six months of attending her new gym. The program has gotten her in better shape, helped her become more disciplined, and even introduced her to more lifters in the community. His weekly routine includes four days of training and three days off, allowing enough time for his body to recover between lifting sessions.

Clarkes coach Vanessa Lettich shared a special testimonial about her progress and drive over the past few months. Rachel is the epitome of dedication in the world of powerlifting and as an athlete in general. From the moment we started working together, her relentless drive and previous work she had done for herself made my role as a coach very easy. With a shared vision, my training was not only aimed at achievement, but also at protecting her from injury until her encounter. Beyond incorporating a comprehensive training regimen, we worked together to overhaul his nutrition, which was a critical factor in improving his strength and overall well-being during rigorous training sessions. His seamless adoption of these dietary changes was emblematic of his unwavering commitment to the sport. Rachel’s dedication to her craft sets her apart. It has been an honor to witness her unwavering dedication and help her achieve the national deadlift record in her age group.

Clearfields Rachel Clarke gave powerlifting a shot in her teenage years, but has found an even deeper passion for the sport here two decades later. His brands have been noticed on the local, national and international stage. November’s competition in Virginia Beach is sure to be another big one for Rachel Clarke.