Pleun Dekkers Squat IPF World Record - Image credit @theipf Instagram
Pleun Dekkers is continuing to reign supreme in the squat rankings of the 52-kilogram weight class. She proved that at the 2024 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, which are taking place on June 15-23, in Druskininkai, Lithuania. During her appearance, Pleun managed to squat 175.5 kilograms (386.9 pounds), thus setting a new U52KG IPF World Record.
Opening up at 165 kilograms (363.8 pounds), Pleun Dekkers proved that she came to the 2024 IPF Worlds to make history. So, on the very next attempt, Pleun chipped the World Record with a lift of 173.5 kilograms (382.5 pounds).
Pleun’s task was not done yet, as she had goals of further advancing the record. Consequently, she determined the weight of her third attempt to be 175.5 kilograms (386.9 pounds). Competing in the raw division, Dekkers was only allowed to use a lifting belt and knee sleeves for her lift. With everything in place, she performed a very smooth rep and set a new record.
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Pleun Dekkers weighed in at 51.65 kilograms (113.9 pounds) for the competition. Notably, she successfully completed all nine of her attempts, perfectly executing her plan. That resulted in a third place finish for her, as she outperformed everyone apart from the duo from New Zealand.
It is also worth pointing out that Pleun Dekkers secured a new Total Competition PR, which is a great sign of the overall improvements that she is making.
Squat
165 kilograms (363.8 pounds)
173.5 kilograms (382.5 pounds)
175.5 kilograms (386.9 pounds) — U52KG IPF World Record
Bench Press
82.5 kilograms (181.9 pounds)
87.5 kilograms (192.9 pounds)
90 kilograms (198.4 pounds)
Deadlift
162.5 kilograms (358.3 pounds)
170 kilograms (374.8 pounds)
177.5 kilograms (391.3 pounds)
Total — 443 kilograms (976.6 pounds) — Competition PR
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Pleun Dekkers made her powerlifting debut back in 2017 and has since made appearances in multiple elite competitions. Specifically, over the course of her career Pleun took part in 20 competitions, out of which 10 ended with a victory for her.
Pleun Dekkers has once again displayed incredible squat prowess, showing that she is, pound-for-pound, one of the strongest women in the powerlifting community. However, like all other athletes, Pleun is also hoping to become a World Champion one day. She has already placed on the podium multiple times, but the gold medal was not within her reach yet. So, Pleun is definitely someone worth keeping an eye on.
If you have questions or need clarifications, please leave a comment below, and Vedad will respond promptly.
Vedad is a journalist specializing in strength sports, with three years of experience covering powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, strongman, armwrestling and bodybuilding. He is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, passionate about all aspects of strength training. Vedad's in-depth knowledge of training methodologies and dedication to constant research fuel his insightful and engaging reporting. He works hard to deliver accurate content while continuously seeking to improve his craft.