The 2026 Powerlifting United (PLU) National Championships is in the history books, and history has been made in more ways than one. More than 250 athletes descended on the Westin San Antonio North Hotel in San Antonio, Texas over the weekend of May 16-17 to celebrate powerlifting and compete for national championships in several age and weight categories.
During the two days of the competition, countless national records were set and many champions were won. More than $10,000 in prizes were also awarded. You can watch full replays of both days of action above PLU’s YouTube channel and lift totals for each athlete at the Open Powerlifting, but here are a few highlights that caught the most attention from the audience in attendance and watching at home.
Zac Myers stole the show with a total of 2,309 pounds
Many spectators and even some of the athletes were there to see the 140 kilo (308 lb) athlete take the field and he put on a great show for his fans. Meyers opened the day with an 870-pound deadlift, 606-pound bench clean, and 832-pound deadlift for a final total of 2,309 pounds — more than a ton in all three lifts. Meyers tried to finish the day at 400 kilograms (881 pounds), but it was not to be. Myers received a standing ovation for his efforts.
16 lifters broke the Elite 500 DOTS barrier at PLU Nationals
The DOTS formula takes your body weight, gender, and the total amount of weight you’ve lifted (squat + bench + deadlift) and comes up with a final total score. The higher the DOTS, the better you did. DOTS helps level the playing field when it comes to identifying the strongest driver.
A 500 DOTS score is a benchmark goal for many in the sport, and 16 athletes broke that barrier in San Antonio. Myers was the highest with a final DOTS of 591.97. With a final score of 503.59, Allison Wharton (Meyers’ partner) was the top female finisher, just 04 points behind second highest finisher Jennifer Tran.
Veteran powerlifters in their 60s and 70s inspire people
Powerlifting is a sport for all ages, and there were several lifters north of 50 who stepped on the platform and left everyone on the line. One of them was 75-year-old Karen Croghan, who lifted 451 pounds (148.8/115.7/187.4) to win the Masters division 75-79, 123 pounds, to claim the title of Master Lifter Tested. Both Joe Hayes and Bob McGee racked up 1,000 pounds in the mid-to-late 60s. Then there was Tammy Mims, who at the age of 56 gained more than 400 pounds, deadlifted 231.5 pounds and squatted 385.8 pounds for a total of 1,019.6 pounds. He said in his post-meeting interview that he felt powerlifting had beaten the alternative.
“I could get stronger or I could get sick. I wanted to get stronger.”
Junior powerlifting stars shine at the 2026 national championships
Multiple generations were represented at Nationals, and the youngest athlete in the competition was 11-year-old River Tuttle, in her first national meet and fourth, according to Open Powerlifting. Her 474-pound total was highlighted by a 209.4-pound deadlift, which drew the audience as much energy to applaud as she did on the lift.
Another standout performer was 15-year-old Elena Humphrey, who is back on the field after overcoming a broken back she suffered more than a year ago. Humphrey’s deadlift totaled 606 pounds, highlighted by a 220.4-pound deadlift, a 115.7-pound bench press, and a 270-pound deadlift.
The 2026 American Pro is set to continue to be a huge year for Powerlifting United
PLU’s 2026 season continues with several events around the country and may share some international news soon. However, most eyes are now on the 2026 American Pro, which is scheduled to take place in Richmond, VA on August 7-8. As one of the sport’s premier events, the American Pro features both open and invitational competitors over two days of competition. More details and news about the event are expected to be announced throughout the summer.
You can see more highlights and results from PLU Nationals by following @powerlifting.united on Instagram. To learn more about PLU and their full schedule, visit www.powerliftingunited.com.
