The 2026 Powerlifting United (PLU) National Championships in San Antonio, Texas, on May 16-17, saw over 250 athletes compete, with multiple national records broken.
Zac Meyers stole the show with a total of 2,309 pounds (squat: 870 lbs, bench: 606 lbs, deadlift: 832 lbs). He received a standing ovation and finished with the highest DOTS score of 591.97.
Sixteen lifters surpassed the elite 500 DOTS barrier. Allison Whorton topped the women's side with a score of 503.59, narrowly edging Jennifer Tren.
Veteran powerlifters inspired, including 75-year-old Karen Crogan, who won the Masters 75-79 division. Tammy Mims, at 56, totaled 1,019.6 pounds, explaining: “I could either get stronger or sicker. I wanted to get stronger.”
Teen stars also shined: 11-year-old River Tuttle totaled 474 pounds in her first Nationals, while 15-year-old Elena Humphrey, returning from a broken back, totaled 606 pounds.
The 2026 American Pro is set for Aug. 7-8 in Richmond, VA.