Killeen, TX — Competing in the International Powerlifting Federation\’s World Masters Championships in Austin, TX, Thomas \”Bugs\” Bayer set the world record in the squat (deep knee bend) in the 60+ age category with a lift of 567 pounds.
The lift helped enable Bugs to win the overall silver medal in the 220-lb. weight class with a 1444 pound total. His other lifts were a 270 pound bench press and 606 pound deadlift. Bugs was second to US teammate Bill Helmich of New Mexico who won the gold medal with a 1455 total. Bugs attempted the 617 pound deadlift he needed to win the gold, but injured a hamstring before completing the lift. Bugs did beat lifters from Great Britain, Puerto Rico, and Finland on the way to his second place finish.
The competition was held under strict drug testing guidelines as prescribed by the International Olympic Committee.
Bugs earned his trip to the world championships by placing second at the US Nationals back in May. He was closely beaten by Helmich at that competition also.
With approximately 100 countries as members, the IPF is the world\’s largest powerlifting organization.