Dutch powerlifter Pleun Dekkers has been smashing world records in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). She first broke the raw squat world record back in 2019 with 153 kilograms (337 pounds). Since then, she has broken that record seven times.
Coming into the 2023 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Classic Championships (ECC) in Tartu, Estonia, the IPF raw squat record in the 52-kilogram class stood at 171.5 kilograms (353 pounds), thanks to France’s Noémie Allabert‘s lift at the inaugural Sheffield Powerlifting Championships. Dekkers was in great form and made short work of 173 kilograms (381 pounds) to reclaim the record.
Take a look at Dekker’s record lift below, courtesy of the IPF Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0bO1K7ohhs/
Dekkers used a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps to aid her in the lift. She took a breath at the top, going up on her toes before beginning the descent. She hit depth, then started her ascent. Her knees caved a bit on the way up, but she pushed them out and completed the lift to the judges’ approval.
2023 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships Results – Pleun Dekkers (NED), 52KG
- Squat
- 160 kilograms (353 pounds)
- 167.5 kilograms (369 pounds)
- 173 kilograms (381 pounds) — New IPF Raw World Record
- Bench Press
- 82.5 kilograms (182 pounds)
- 85 kilograms (187 pounds)
- 87.5 kilograms (193 pounds)
- Deadlift
- 160 kilograms (353 pounds)
- 167.5 kilograms (369 pounds)
- 172.5 kilograms (380 pounds)
- Total — 430.5 kilograms (949 pounds)
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At the 2022 IPF Classic World Championships (CWC) in Sun City, South Africa, Dekkers was part of an intense three-way battle for the raw squat world record with Canada’s Stef Kean and Allabert. Kean broke it first with 161.5 kilograms (356 pounds). Allabert was next with 165 kilograms (364 pounds). Dekkers took it back with 165.5 kilograms (365 pounds). In the final round, Allabert hit 168 kilograms (370 pounds), but Dekkers, lifting immediately after Allabert, claimed the record again at 168.5 kilograms (371 pounds).
Usually, lifters can only add increments of 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) to the barbell. However, for a world record attempt, lifters can add half a kilo (one pound), which can prove strategically useful at the end of the competition, where it might force a rival to attempt an additional 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds).
Although the record has gone back to the Netherlands, Allabert will compete next at the 2024 Sheffield Championships in the UK on Feb. 10, 2024, and likely attempt the raw squat record again for France. Whatever the result for Allabert, Dekkers’ next opportunity at the record will be at the 2024 ECC in Velika Gorica, Croatia, on March 12, 2024.
The ECC continues all week in Estonia, finishing on Dec. 9, 2023. Catch the action streamed live for free on the EPF’s YouTube channel.
Featured image: @theipf on Instagram
