2026 Powerlifting United Nationals Results: Zac Meyers Totals 2,309 Pounds as Records Fall in San Antonio

The 2026 Powerlifting United (PLU) National Championship is in the history books, and history is being made in many ways. More than 250 athletes showed up at the Westin San Antonio North Hotel in San Antonio, Texas over the weekend of May 16-17 to celebrate powerlifting and compete in national championships in multiple age and weight divisions.

There were many national records set during the two days of competition, and many champions were crowned. Over $10,000 in prizes were also awarded. You can see full replays of both days of action on PLU’s YouTube channel as well as highlights of every athlete’s lift at the Open Powerlifting, but here are a few highlights that got the most attention from the audience in attendance and watching at home.

Zac Meyers Stole the Show with a Total of 2,309 Pounds

Many in the audience and even some of the athletes were there to see 140-pound (308-pound) athlete Zac Meyers walk up to the podium, and he put on a big show for his fans. Meyers opened his day with an 870-pound squat, benched 606 pounds, and deadlifted 832 pounds for a final total of 2,309 pounds — over a ton in all three lifts. Meyers tried to end his day with a 400-kilogram (881-pound) deadlift, but it wasn’t meant to be. Meyers received congratulations for his efforts.

16 Lifters Break Elite 500 DOTS Barrier at PLU Nationals

The DOTS formula takes your body weight, your gender, and the total weight you’ve lifted (squat + bench + deadlift) and comes up with a final total. The higher the DOTS, the better it does. DOTS helps level the playing field when it comes to determining the strongest lifter of all time.

A DOTS score of 500 is a goal for many in the sport, and 16 athletes broke that barrier in San Antonio. Meyers had the highest with a final DOTS of 591.97. With a final score of 503.59, Allison Whorton (Meyers’ partner) took the women’s lead by 04 points over runner-up Jennifer Tren.

Power veterans from the 60s and 70s Inspire the Crowd

Powerlifting is a sport for all ages, and there were quite a few lifters north of 50 stepping on the platform and putting it all on the line. One of those was 75-year-old Karen Crogan, who reached 451 pounds (148.8/115.7/187.4) to win the Masters 75-79, 123-pound division to take the title of Best Lifter Tested Master. Both Joe Hays and Bob McGhee lost a total of 1,000 pounds in their mid to late 60’s. Then there was Tammy Mims, who at age 56 deadlifted more than 400 pounds, benched 231.5 pounds, and deadlifted 385.8-pounds for a total of 1,019.6 pounds. He said in his post-meeting interview that he felt like one powerlifting beat the other.

“I could be strong even if I was sick. I wanted to be strong.”

Teen Powerlifting Stars Shine at 2026 National Championships

Multiple generations were represented at Nationals, and the youngest lifter in the competition was 11-year-old River Tuttle, who was in his first Nationals meet and fourth, according to Open Powerlifting. His total of 474 pounds was highlighted by a 209.4-pound deadlift that had the audience putting as much energy into clapping as he did into lifting.

Another outstanding lifter was 15-year-old Elena Humphrey, who overcame a broken back she suffered a year ago to return to the sport. Humphrey’s return resulted in a total of 606 pounds, highlighted by a 220.4-pound squat, 115.7-pound bench press, and a 270-pound deadlift.

2026 American Pro Set to Continue Big Year for Powerlifting United

The 2026 PLU season continues with several events across the country, and there may be international news to share soon. However, most eyes are now set on the 2026 American Pro, scheduled to take place in Richmond, VA on Aug. 7-8. As one of the sport’s premier events, the American Pro will feature both Open and invitational competitors over two days of competition. More details and news about that event are expected to be announced throughout the summer.

You can see great photos and results from the PLU Nationals by following @powerlifting.united on Instagram. To learn more about PLU and its comprehensive program, visit www.powerliftingunited.com.