The 2026 Powerlifting United (PLU) Nationwide Championships is within the historical past books, and historical past was made in a number of methods. Over 250 athletes confirmed as much as the Westin San Antonio North lodge in San Antonio, Texas on the weekend of Might 16-17 to rejoice powerlifting and compete for nationwide championships throughout a number of age and weight classes.
There have been numerous nationwide data set all through the 2 days of competitors, and lots of champions had been topped. Over $10,000 in prizes had been awarded as nicely. You possibly can see full replays of each days of motion over on PLU’s YouTube channel and summaries of the lifts for each athlete on Open Powerlifting, however listed here are a couple of standout highlights that bought probably the most consideration from the viewers in attendance and watching at residence.
Zac Meyers Steals the Present With a 2,309-Pound Whole
Many within the viewers and even among the athletes themselves had been there to see 140-kilogram (308-pound) athlete Zac Meyers take to the platform, and he delivered an enormous efficiency for his followers. Meyers opened his day with an 870-pound squat, cleared 606 kilos on the bench, and pulled 832 kilos on the deadlift for a remaining complete of two,309 kilos – over a ton throughout all three lifts. Meyers tried to finish his day with a 400-kilogram (881-pound) deadlift, but it surely was not meant to be. Meyers acquired a standing ovation for his efforts.
16 Lifters Break the Elite 500 DOTS Barrier at PLU Nationals
The DOTS system takes your physique weight, your gender, and the full quantity of weight you lifted (squat + bench + deadlift) and comes up with a remaining general rating. The upper the DOTS, the higher you probably did. DOTS helps degree the enjoying subject in the case of figuring out the strongest lifter general.
A 500 DOTS rating is a benchmark aim for a lot of within the sport, and 16 athletes broke that barrier in San Antonio. Meyers had the very best with a remaining DOTS of 591.97. With a remaining rating of 503.59, Allison Whorton (Meyers’ associate) was the very best finisher on the ladies’s facet by solely.04 factors over the second highest ending woman, Jennifer Tren.
Veteran Powerlifters in Their 60s and 70s Encourage the Crowd
Powerlifting is a sport of all ages, and there have been a number of lifters that had been north of fifty that stepped on the platform and put all of it on the road. A type of was 75-year-old Karen Crogan, who totaled 451 kilos (148.8/115.7/187.4) to win the Masters 75-79, 123-pound division to take the Finest Lifter Examined Grasp title. Each Joe Hays and Bob McGhee cleared 1,000-pound totals within the mid to late 60’s. Then there was Tammy Mims, who at 56 years outdated squatted over 400 kilos, benched 231.5 kilos, and hit a 385.8-pound deadlift for a complete of 1,019.6 kilos. She mentioned in her post-meet interview that she felt powerlifting beat the choice.
“I might both get stronger or sicker. I wished to get stronger.”
Teen Powerlifting Stars Shine on the 2026 Nationwide Championships
A number of generations had been represented at Nationals, and the youngest lifter within the competitors was 11-year-old River Tuttle, who was in her first Nationals meet and fourth ever, in response to Open Powerlifting. Her 474-pound complete was highlighted by a 209.4-pound deadlift that had the viewers placing as a lot vitality into the applause as she did within the elevate.
One other standout lifter was 15-year-old Elena Humphrey, who overcame a damaged again that she suffered over a yr in the past to return to motion. Humphrey’s return resulted in a complete of 606 kilos, highlighted by a squat of 220.4 kilos, a 115.7-pound bench, and a 270-pound deadlift.
2026 American Professional Set to Proceed Large Yr for Powerlifting United
The 2026 PLU season continues with a number of occasions all through the nation, and there could also be some worldwide information to share quickly. Nevertheless, most eyes at the moment are set on the 2026 American Professional, set to happen in Richmond, VA on Aug. 7-8. As one of many sport’s premiere occasions, the American Professional will characteristic each Open and Invited rivals throughout two days of competitors. Extra particulars and information on that occasion are anticipated to be introduced all through the summer time.
You possibly can see extra highlights and outcomes from PLU Nationals by following @powerlifting.united on Instagram. To study extra about PLU and their full schedule, go to www.powerliftingunited.com.