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 have fun 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 have been topped. Over $10,000 in prizes have been awarded as nicely. You’ll be able to 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 number of standout highlights that received probably the most consideration from the viewers in attendance and watching at residence.
Zac Meyers Steals the Present With a 2,309-Pound Complete
Many within the viewers and even a number of the athletes themselves have 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 closing whole of two,309 kilos – over a ton throughout all three lifts. Meyers tried to finish his day with a 400-kilogram (881-pound) deadlift, however it 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 components takes your physique weight, your gender, and the overall quantity of weight you lifted (squat + bench + deadlift) and comes up with a closing general rating. The upper the DOTS, the higher you probably did. DOTS helps stage the taking part in discipline in terms of figuring out the strongest lifter general.
A 500 DOTS rating is a benchmark purpose for a lot of within the sport, and 16 athletes broke that barrier in San Antonio. Meyers had the best with a closing DOTS of 591.97. With a closing rating of 503.59, Allison Whorton (Meyers’ associate) was the best finisher on the ladies’s aspect 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 have been north of fifty that stepped on the platform and put all of it on the road. A kind 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 Greatest 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 may both get stronger or sicker. I needed to get stronger.”
Teen Powerlifting Stars Shine on the 2026 Nationwide Championships
A number of generations have 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 line with Open Powerlifting. Her 474-pound whole 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 raise.
One other standout lifter was 15-year-old Elena Humphrey, who overcame a damaged again that she suffered over a 12 months 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 Huge 12 months 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 function 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’ll be able to see extra highlights and outcomes from PLU Nationals by following @powerlifting.united on Instagram. To be taught extra about PLU and their full schedule, go to www.powerliftingunited.com.
