Chuck has an 835 deadlift, I'd say that is a bit more than "competitive."
I think Brent hit at 855 deadlift, and definitely has gone over 800lbs.
Bolton had a world record 1,213 squat and the highest 3 lift total in history. I don't think he can be considered a specialist in any manner.
i wasn't sure about chuck, you're right, but, as i said, bolton WAS at one point a pull specialist. he's got his squat up to be sure. brent's best according to his site is 810, and admittedly part of that issue is his missing finger.
There are just many, many more people that specialize in the bench for numerous reasons.
People that do full meets will want to say specialists aren't powerlifters.
People that specialize will want to say they are powerlifters.
And since the entire point of the internet is to argue against things, the debate will never end.
well that's because the bench is the only upper body-specific lift. generally if someone has an incredibly good squat they also have an incredibly good pull and vice-versa. you don't often find someone with a 900 pound squat that can barely pull six plates (unless it's an equipped squat and raw pull). they use many of the same muscles. if you've got a great posterior chain you'll have two great lifts. thus we get guys like bolton et al who have high squats and pulls, but low benches.
thus, pity the poor person who has weak legs but strong as shit shoulders. his bench is high but his other two lifts suck, so unlike folks in the above group he can't hit 2/3 of the meet and just accept a shitty third, he won't be competitive at all. so, bam, bench specialist.
not to mention, hey, let's be honest here, a lot of people simply want a huge bench over all else. it's an upper body lift, so if you're great at it you also look damn impressive.
