That was 525, not 500, and it was during his comeback stint in 1993. Whoever uploaded vid assumed it was just 5 plates, as it's all you can see from that view.
Tom at his heaviest in mid 80s did much more than 525 for 23 reps.
Just like Fred Hatfield who was behind Tom did much more in his prime than at that FIBO event.
Anyone who can't buy credible and consistent reports of Tom's feats without "proof" simply have no idea of how powerful a squatter he was and do not know their iron history. Which is fair enough, as long as they don't play the part of the asanine skeptic
If Tom could do 525 for 23 at 200 lbs BW in 1993, 5-6 YEARS post his olympia days, what do you think he could do at his heaviest and best in mid 80s?
? Rhetorical question, as I believe I have the answer. Tom did 20 reps with 600 lbs at his best. That's the heaviest high rep number I recall from his statements.
Bear in mind, Tom never counted reps...his spotters or training partners did. He was much more into feel than numbers. Thus why he doesn't exactly know how many reps he did with 225 and a dime for 10 minutes straight. But more than a 100.
Asking for "proof" of Tom's feats is fair enough if you just want to see it, but certainly not to play the asanine skeptic.
