Powerlifting has produced some extraordinary athletes over the past decade, but few have impressed Dr. Mike Israetel as much as Colton “The Limit Breaker” Engelbrecht.
In a recent Renaissance Periodization (RP) YouTube video, Israetel analyzed some of Engelbrecht’s biggest lifts and explained why the 25-year-old South African may already deserve consideration as the greatest powerlifter in history. From his record-breaking deadlift to his unmatched powerlifting total, Israetel praised not only Engelbrecht’s strength but also the technical precision that makes those numbers possible.
Why Colton Engelbrecht Is Already in the GOAT Conversation
After watching Engelbrecht’s performances, Dr. Mike didn’t hesitate to share his opinion.
“Colton is, in some sense, already the greatest of all time. But he’s young. He’s only 25 years old.”
Israetel believes Engelbrecht’s age makes his accomplishments even more remarkable. While many elite strength athletes reach their peak much later, Engelbrecht has already rewritten portions of the record books.
What impressed him even more was Engelbrecht’s approach to training.
According to Israetel, the young powerlifter combines exceptional genetics with intelligent programming, making continued progress highly likely if he stays healthy.
A 520 kg Deadlift That Changed the Record Books
One of the video’s biggest highlights was Engelbrecht’s astonishing 520-kilogram (1,146-pound) sumo deadlift.
“That amount of weight after an entire powerlifting meet is insane. Honestly… that amount of weight at all is insane.”
Israetel compared the lift to Hafthor Björnsson’s previous 510-kilogram world record, noting that Engelbrecht achieved an even heavier lift while weighing roughly 270 pounds and using only a belt and straps.
Addressing critics of the sumo stance, he dismissed the argument that the lift is somehow easier.
“If you think it’s so easy,” he joked, “go pull 1,000 pounds yourself.”
The Strongest Total Ever Recorded
Engelbrecht’s deadlift wasn’t the only achievement that stood out.
“That’s why he’s considered one of the greatest powerlifters ever.”
Israetel highlighted Engelbrecht’s historic 1,200-kilogram total, the highest powerlifting total ever recorded, alongside the highest DOTS score in history.
What makes the performance unique, he explained, is Engelbrecht’s ability to combine elite relative strength with unmatched absolute strength.
His raw 1,036-pound squat, deep competition-standard depth, and 573-pound paused bench press at approximately 264 pounds bodyweight represent a combination rarely seen in powerlifting history.
More Than Muscle Size
Despite Engelbrecht’s impressive physique, Israetel doesn’t believe muscle mass alone explains his dominance.
“He’s a once-in-a-generation athlete.”
Watching Engelbrecht reverse curl a 170-pound person convinced Dr. Mike that other factors are involved.
He suggested exceptional tendon insertions, favorable muscle architecture, outstanding leverage, and elite nervous system efficiency all contribute to Engelbrecht’s extraordinary strength.
For everyday lifters, Israetel said comparing themselves to athletes like Engelbrecht simply isn’t realistic.
Perfect Technique Under Record-Breaking Loads
Beyond the enormous numbers, Dr. Mike repeatedly praised Engelbrecht’s movement quality.
“If arguably the strongest powerlifter in the world can use perfect technique… the rest of us certainly can too.”
Whether bench pressing, overhead pressing, or deadlifting, Engelbrecht performs every repetition with remarkable consistency.
Israetel noted that young athletes often imitate elite competitors, making proper technique just as valuable as raw strength.
Rather than lifting recklessly, he believes the goal should be becoming “machine-like” under heavy loads.
Dr. Mike Thinks the Best Is Yet to Come
Israetel finished the video by predicting Engelbrecht’s career may only be getting started.
“As long as he avoids major injuries… the chances of him continuing to improve are extremely high.”
With Engelbrecht recently joining RP Strength and planning to gain bodyweight while using the RP Diet Coach app, Israetel believes his squat and bench press still have room to climb.
If that happens while maintaining his world-class deadlift, Dr. Mike believes the young South African could separate himself even further from the rest of the sport.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
