Westside Barbell, renowned in the world of strength sports, has a storied history of pushing the boundaries of human strength and performance. As the birthplace of countless world records and revolutionary training ideas, Westside Barbell is the pinnacle of excellence in powerlifting and strength training. Achieving the milestone of being the first person at Westside Barbell to bench press 700 pounds was a personal triumph and a monumental moment for the gym itself. What makes this feat even more memorable is that I was the youngest person in history (22 years old) to achieve such a lift. This record-breaking lift underscores the relentless pursuit of greatness that defined Westside Barbell. It also set a new benchmark for future lifters to aspire to.
Training for Greatness
Leading up to the Greatest Bench in America event, my training was nothing short of grueling and relentless. Each day was a testament to dedication, marked by intense sessions where I built my strength and pushed my limits alongside some of the greatest training partners in history. The journey was a continuous climb up the proverbial mountain. It was fraught with challenges yet driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence. The culmination of this journey was the prestigious invitation to the Greatest Bench in America event, a recognition of the countless hours of sweat and perseverance. This invitation not only marked a significant milestone in my career but also validated the hard work and sacrifices I made along the way.
The event was hosted at the historic Majestic Theatre in Dallas, TX. It served as venue that added a touch of grandeur to an already prestigious competition. The Harvey Hotel in Dallas served as the host hotel. There, renowned powerlifting figure John Inzer ensured that all invited lifters were comfortably accommodated. In the days leading up to the event, the hotel buzzed with the familiar chatter before any meet. The air was thick with anticipation and the camaraderie of athletes preparing to showcase their strength. Fueled by adrenaline and testosterone, the lifters exchanged predictions, shared stories, and mentally prepared to make their mark on this monumental stage. The atmosphere was electric, setting the perfect prelude to the epic displays of power that would soon unfold at the Majestic Theatre.
Competing Among the Best
Many of the world's top bench pressers were invited to showcase their strength. And I felt honored just to be there. The roster included elite benchers like Anthony Clark, Jesse Kellum, JM Blakely, Greg Warr, and one of the fiercest lifters I had ever seen, George Halbert, who I was blessed to call a training partner for the last several years. Training with a competitor like George prepared you for any competition, making the actual meets seem relatively easy. But now it was time to put up or shut up; meet day had arrived.
The Moment of Truth
I kicked things off with a solid 644 pounds (292.5 kilos). It felt conservative at the time, but in this high-pressure arena, anything could happen. My first attempt? I nailed it with ease! Riding that momentum, I called for 683 pounds (310 kilos) on my second attempt and crushed it. Then came the game-changer. The world record stood at 711 pounds (322.5 kilos). After a quick, intense chat with Louie Simmons, we made the call: 712 pounds (323 kilos). This was my shot to break the all-time world record by a hair.
I felt an unfamiliar fire igniting within me as I approached the bar—a raw, primal rage. This was uncharted territory; I usually kept my cool. But this time was different. Louie gave me the handout, and it was go time. I was on the brink of making history as Westside's first 700-pound bench presser on the biggest stage, surrounded by the best benchers.
The bar came down smoothly. When I got the press command, I unleashed every ounce of strength. The bar came off my chest powerfully but slowed to a crawl. Louie's voice cut through the noise: "DRIVE, DRIVE, DRIVE." His words were all I focused on. The lockout felt like it took forever, but finally, I heard the head judge's "rack it" command. Time seemed to freeze as I rolled off the bench, a massive weight lifted off my chest. Then, chaos erupted. Louie jumped on me, my training partners swarmed, and we reveled in the victory. I shared this incredible moment with Eskil Thomasson, Bob Coe, Joe McCoy, and Louie. We did it! Westside Barbell had its first 700-pound bench presser, and I had shattered my first all-time world record.
Setting a New Standard
Breaking my first all-time world record was just the beginning of an incredible journey in powerlifting that lasted 19 years. This achievement was a turning point, pushing me to reach new heights in the sport. Over the years, I broke 14 more all-time bench press world records, thanks to being part of Westside Barbell, having the best training partners, and dedicating myself to excellence. I also showed my strength by holding world records in three different weight classes—220, 242, and 275 pounds—at the same time. Each record was a milestone, highlighting my strength, versatility, and determination as a top lifter.
My historic moment at Westside Barbell, becoming the first person to bench press 700 pounds at just 22 years old, not only marked a personal triumph but also set a new standard of excellence for future lifters. This achievement paved the way for others to push the boundaries of strength and performance at Westside Barbell. By breaking barriers and shattering records, I contributed to the legacy of the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines this legendary gym. My journey underscores the belief that with dedication, unwavering support from training partners, and the guidance of mentors like Louie, anything is possible.
BIO
Kenny Patterson, from Columbus, Ohio, channeled the loss of his father at 14 into a drive for excellence, shifting his focus from high school football to powerlifting. At 23, he set his first world record in bench pressing, leading to a 19-year career with 15 all-time world records and numerous teenage and junior records. His best lifts included 712 pounds at 275 pounds bodyweight and 716 pounds at 220 pounds.
Kenny also excelled in logistics, starting as an entry-level associate in 1991 and rising to Senior Director of Implementation over 33 years. Now in Goodyear, Arizona, he balances his career with a healthy lifestyle and offers powerlifting mentorship through social media, inspiring future lifters with his dedication.
