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...
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Pleun Dekkers - Image credit @he_epf_ Instagram
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The 2023 EPF European Open Classic Powerlifting Championships are taking place from December 4-9, in Tartu, Estonia. So, the first day of competition featured the lighter weight classes, with women’s 52-kilogram division being one of them. This weight class stood out from the rest due to the spectacular outing of Pleun Dekkers. The Dutch powerlifter took part in the competition with just one goal, to prove why she is the best female lifter in her weight class in Europe currently. However, not only did Pleun become the European champion, she also managed to set a 173-kilogram (381.4-pound) IPF Raw Squat World Record.
Pleun Dekkers opened up with a squat of 160 kilograms (352.7 pounds). As most first attempts go, this opener did not require much of Pleun’s energy, strength, or effort. She then turned it up a notch with a 7.5-kilogram (16.5-pound) increase for her second attempt. While it was heavier, Pleun proved that her limits were still far beyond that number.
Finally, Pleun Dekkers recognized the opportunity to break the record on her third attempt and decided to risk it. She loaded 173 kilograms (381.4 pounds) on the barbell before putting on a lifting belt and knee sleeves to prepare for the nerve-wracking moment. Pleun soon walked out on the stage and positioned herself underneath the barbell. She lowered herself and the barbell down to a very decent depth and then began lifting the weight back up. Although it proved to be quite a grind, Pleun managed to lock out the squat and get a hold of the record.
Noemie Allabertbert held the U52KG IPF Raw Squat World Record previously due to her 171.5-kilogram (378.1-pound) lift from the 2023 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships.
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Pleun Dekkers came perfectly prepared for the 2023 EPF European Open Classic Powerlifting Championships. She knew exactly what she was capable of, and she executed the plan perfectly. So, she ended up with a 9/9 day, meaning she successfully performed all of her attempts. The reward paid off as well, since she reclaimed her European Champion title six years after the initial one.
Squat
160 kilograms (352.7 pounds)
167.5 kilograms (369.3 pounds)
173 kilograms (381.4 pounds) — U52KG IPF Raw World Record
Data source: OpenPowerlifting. Data through July 25, 2026.
Pleun Dekkers has spent six years in the professional powerlifting setting, during which she took part in 19 sanctioned powerlifting competitions. She won ten of them but placed very high in multiple elite international contests as well.
Continuing her journey, Pleun Dekkers will look to remain in possession of the squat IPF World Record and perhaps even progress it further. Moreover, now that she is back on the throne of Europe, there is no doubt that Pleun could be in contention for the 2024 IPF World Championships title, or at least a podium finish.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about this news, please leave a comment below, and Vedad will get back to you as soon as possible.
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.
