Known as the ‘Queen of Deadlifting,’ Lucy Underdown competed at the 2026 Arnold Strongwoman Classic and did complete justice to her moniker by setting an all-new world record.

After winning the Britain's Strongest Woman twice, the Warwickshire, England native delivered another iconic performance in the Elephant Bar Deadlift category of the Arnold Strongwoman Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Underdown lifted a staggering 701 lbs (318 kg), something that no other woman in the history of these contests has ever achieved.

Going into the event, Underdown was the clear favorite, but she faced tough competition from Jennifer Lyle, who delivered a remarkable performance by breaking the world record with a 681 lbs (308.9 kg) deadlift.

Underdown was not in the mood to let Lyle take the crown. She responded with a 686 lbs (311.2 kilograms) lift to reclaim the record after Lyle's 681. However, the road to glory is not that easy. With one attempt left, Lyle loaded the bars with more weight, trying to take the lead.

She tried to lift 701 pounds (318 kilograms), but was unsuccessful in her effort. That opened up the room for Underdown to put up a statement in front of the world, which she did without failure.

It's pertinent to note that the previous world record in the Elephant Bar Deadlift was 676 lbs (306.6 kilograms), and it was Underdown who created it at the 2025 Arnold Strongwoman Classic.

Lucy Underdown Cherished Breaking Her Own Record

After smoothly lifting the weight, Lucy threw her arms up in celebration as the crowd went bonkers. Speaking to the media after the phenomenal show, she expressed that she was not stressed at all. Underdown said, “That felt amazing. I felt like I probably had another 10 – 15 kilograms (22 – 33 pounds) in me.”

“So it would be good to come back next year… The deadlift is my event, and I want to keep it that way for a long, long time… I’ve got to put my mark down while I am still here,” said Underdown after setting the new World Record.

So, after setting two world records in consecuitve editions of the Arnold Classic, do you think Underdown will create a third one at the 2027 Arnold Strongwoman Classic?

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Souvik Roy