Pleun Dekkers (52KG) Sets Squat Record at 2025 IPF World Classic Championships

At the 2025 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic Championships in Chemnitz, Germany, from June 8-15, 2025, the Women’s 52KG category witnessed history. Pleun Dekkers of the Netherlands set a squat world record on her second attempt and then broke it on her following attempt en route to an overall bronze medal.

While Evie Corrigan of New Zealand stood atop the podium for the category, Dekkers held the headline for her 176-kilogram world record, which she tacked on two more kilograms to shortly thereafter.

2025 IPF World Classic Championships Results — Women’s 52KG

1. Evie Corrigan (NZL) — 167.5/107.5/205 — 480
2. Megan-Li Smith (NZL) — 172.5/107.5/197.5 — 477.5
3. Pleun Dekkers (NED) — 178/92.5/182.5 — 453 | World Record Squat

Dekkers’ world record can be seen in the video below, courtesy of the IPF’s Instagram page:

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Judging from the speed with which Dekker both dropped into the hole and ascended back to the starting position, she may have had even more in the tank. Her opening squat secured her spot on the board with 170 kilograms — she opened with the heaviest weight of any athlete in the category.

Dekkers’ second lift at 176 kilograms was a new world record and 3.5 kilograms heavier than the next heaviest weight any 52KG athlete would achieve; silver medalist Megan-Li Smith scored 172.5 kilograms on her second attempt.

Dekkers called for 178 kilograms on her third attempt, which was a jump that may have been too conservative given the smoothness of her movement. Her knees caved in slightly during her ascent, but the lift was otherwise picturesque.

2025 IPF World Classic Championships Results — Pleun Dekkers, 52KG

Dekkers weighed in officially at 51.8 kilograms bodyweight and went a perfect nine-for-nine in attempts.

• Squat
  • 170 kilograms
  • 176 kilograms — World Record
  • 178 kilograms — World Record
• Bench Press
  • 85 kilograms
  • 90 kilograms
  • 92.5 kilograms
• Deadlift
  • 170 kilograms
  • 177.5 kilograms
  • 182.5 kilograms
• Total — 453 kilograms

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Featured image: @theipf on Instagram