Liam Beville Biography - Achievements

Liam Beville

About Liam:

Liam is Ireland’s greatest pound-for-pound deadlifter over the past 33 years and a six-time deadlift world record holder. Although living with a permanent disability, Liam has nevertheless achieved unparalleled success as a powerlifting champion, competing entirely in able-bodied sport and against able-bodied athletes. Furthermore, he has consistently demonstrated that determination and discipline can overcome even the greatest physical challenges. Moreover, his record-breaking achievements — including recognition as a Guinness World Record holder — have therefore made him a powerful example of resilience and excellence in sport.

In 1992, he deadlifted 310 kg at a bodyweight of 75 kg at an IPF international competition — a lift that remains unbeaten in conventional deadlift and equalled Ed Coan, widely regarded as the world’s greatest powerlifter, at the same bodyweight.

At age 57, I became the oldest and lightest person ever to hold a Guinness World Record for the heaviest deadlift. In fact, I lifted more than younger and heavier athletes, including globally recognised competitors such as Thor (Hafthor Bjornsson). Furthermore, I performed the lift without straps — which are allowed in strongman but prohibited in powerlifting — thereby making it exceptionally challenging. In addition, I used the conventional style, which is widely regarded as more technically demanding than sumo; consequently, this demonstrated both my strength and technical mastery.

Liam also competed both raw and equipped; furthermore, he consistently ranked #1 in the world for his age and weight class. As a result, he became known internationally for his unmatched consistency and dedication to the sport. He has won multiple Best Lifter awards, inspiring athletes and communities worldwide with his resilience, determination, and technical mastery.

Career Highlights:

Number 1 ranked powerlifter in the world for the deadlift in able-bodied competition.
Six-time deadlift world record holder across four weight divisions (unapparelled in powerlifting history).
Guinness World Record holder – only Irish powerlifter to hold one; oldest and lightest record-holder for heaviest deadlift in the world.
310 kg deadlift at 75 kg bodyweight (conventional, IPF international competition).
Gold medallist, World Powerlifting Championships.
Multiple gold medals, European Powerlifting Championships.
Several Best Lifter awards at national and international competitions.
He competed both raw and equipped, using the conventional deadlift style; moreover, this style demands greater technique and strength, and consequently highlights his mastery of the lift.
Record-setting powerlifting deadlift performed without straps, allowed in strongman but prohibited in powerlifting.
Coordinator for Powerlifting at the 2003 Special Olympics World Games, helping to bring powerlifting to Ireland.
Key figure Special Olympics powerlifting, World Games and National Games (2002–2003)
Community and Advocacy:
Brand Ambassador, Active Disability Ireland, promoting inclusion in sport and community
Motivational speaker, sharing a story of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers
Advocates for disability inclusion, challenging stereotypes and inspiring others through sport and personal example.

Liam Beville’s Current Focus:

Liam continues to break barriers in sport and community engagement, using his story and experience to motivate, educate, and inspire, with upcoming talks aimed at disability inclusion and personal resilience.

Contact liam Beville:

Phone: 0870964898 | Email: bevilleliam@gmail.com