The 2026 Powerlifting United (PLU) Nationwide Championships is within the historical past books, and historical past was once made in numerous techniques. Over 250 athletes confirmed as much as the Westin San Antonio North resort in San Antonio, Texas at the weekend of Would possibly 16-17 to have fun powerlifting and compete for nationwide championships throughout a number of age and weight classes.
There have been numerous nationwide information set all through the 2 days of pageant, and lots of champions have been topped. Over $10,000 in prizes have been awarded as smartly. You’ll be able to see complete 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 were given probably the most consideration from the target audience in attendance and observing at house.
Zac Meyers Steals the Display With a 2,309-Pound General
Many within the target audience or even probably the most athletes themselves have been there to peer 140-kilogram (308-pound) athlete Zac Meyers take to the platform, and he delivered a large efficiency for his enthusiasts. Meyers opened his day with an 870-pound squat, cleared 606 kilos at the bench, and pulled 832 kilos at the deadlift for a last general of two,309 kilos – over a ton throughout all 3 lifts. Meyers attempted to finish his day with a 400-kilogram (881-pound) deadlift, but it surely was once now not supposed to be. Meyers won a status ovation for his efforts.
16 Lifters Damage the Elite 500 DOTS Barrier at PLU Nationals
The DOTS formulation takes your frame weight, your gender, and the whole quantity of weight you lifted (squat + bench + deadlift) and is derived up with a last total ranking. The upper the DOTS, the easier you probably did. DOTS is helping degree the taking part in box with regards to figuring out the most powerful lifter total.
A 500 DOTS ranking is a benchmark function for plenty of within the recreation, and 16 athletes broke that barrier in San Antonio. Meyers had the best possible with a last DOTS of 591.97. With a last ranking of 503.59, Allison Whorton (Meyers’ spouse) was once the best possible finisher at the girls’s facet by means of best.04 issues over the second one best possible completing woman, Jennifer Tren.
Veteran Powerlifters in Their 60s and 70s Encourage the Crowd
Powerlifting is a recreation of every age, and there have been a number of lifters that have been north of fifty that stepped at the platform and put all of it at the line. A type of was once 75-year-old Karen Crogan, who totaled 451 kilos (148.8/115.7/187.4) to win the Masters 75-79, 123-pound department to take the Absolute best Lifter Examined Grasp name. Each Joe Hays and Bob McGhee cleared 1,000-pound totals within the mid to past due 60’s. Then there was once 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 one,019.6 kilos. She mentioned in her post-meet interview that she felt powerlifting beat the opposite.
“I may both get more potent or sicker. I sought after to get more potent.”
Teenager Powerlifting Stars Shine on the 2026 Nationwide Championships
More than one generations have been represented at Nationals, and the youngest lifter within the pageant was once 11-year-old River Tuttle, who was once in her first Nationals meet and fourth ever, in line with Open Powerlifting. Her 474-pound general was once highlighted by means of a 209.4-pound deadlift that had the target audience hanging as a lot power into the applause as she did within the raise.
Every other standout lifter was once 15-year-old Elena Humphrey, who overcame a damaged again that she suffered over a yr in the past to go back to motion. Humphrey’s go back ended in a complete of 606 kilos, highlighted by means of a squat of 220.4 kilos, a 115.7-pound bench, and a 270-pound deadlift.
2026 American Professional Set to Proceed Large 12 months for Powerlifting United
The 2026 PLU season continues with a number of occasions all through the rustic, and there is also some world information to percentage quickly. On the other hand, maximum eyes at the moment are set at the 2026 American Professional, set to happen in Richmond, VA on Aug. 7-8. As one of the crucial recreation’s premiere occasions, the American Professional will characteristic each Open and Invited competition throughout two days of pageant. Extra main points and information on that match are anticipated to be introduced all through the summer time.
You’ll be able to see extra highlights and effects from PLU Nationals by means of following @powerlifting.united on Instagram. To be told extra about PLU and their complete agenda, pass to www.powerliftingunited.com.
