Dutch Powerlifter Pleun Dekkers Sets New 52KG Squat Record at 2025 IPF Classic Championships

At the 2025 IPF World Classic Championships in Chemnitz, Germany, the Women’s 52KG class made history. Furthermore, the competition ran from June 8 to 15 and brought together some of the world’s strongest athletes. During that week, Dutch powerlifter Pleun Dekkers set a new 52KG squat world record at the 2025 IPF Classic Championships and emerged as a standout in her division.

First, Dekkers opened her squat session with 170 kilograms—more than any other lifter in the category attempted at that point. Then, she set a new world record with a 176-kilogram second attempt. Finally, she raised the bar to 178 kilograms and made it look effortless, despite minor form breakdowns.

While New Zealand’s Evie Corrigan claimed gold with a dominant total, Dekkers earned bronze overall. However, she walked away with the squat world record—and arguably the most impressive individual lift of the meet. Her nine-for-nine performance capped off a defining moment in her lifting career.

🏆 Pleun Dekkers Sets Squat World Record and Wins Bronze at 2025 IPF Classic Worlds

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

Athlete	Country	Squat	Bench	Deadlift	Total
Evie Corrigan	🇳🇿 NZL	167.5	107.5	205	480
Megan-Li Smith	🇳🇿 NZL	172.5	107.5	197.5	477.5
Pleun Dekkers	🇳🇱 NED	178 ⚪	92.5	182.5	453

⚪ = World Record Squat

Dekkers’ final squat not only secured her a spot on the podium—it separated her from the rest of the field. While Megan-Li Smith posted a solid 172.5-kilogram squat, Dekkers surpassed that by 5.5 kilograms. Her performance redefined the limits in the category.

Furthermore, Dekkers held her own across all three lifts. She benched 92.5 kilograms and deadlifted 182.5 kilograms to round out her 453-kilogram total. Though her bench numbers lagged slightly behind the top two finishers, her squat gave her a competitive edge.

Ultimately, the result was a balanced and consistent performance. Dekkers didn’t miss a single attempt. She matched elite-level lifters in two out of three events. Her world record squat created a lasting impression—and showed she’s not just a specialist, but a complete lifter.

Pleun Dekkers’ Full Meet Results — 2025 IPF Worlds (52KG)

Lift	Attempt 1	Attempt 2	Attempt 3
Squat	170 kg	176 kg — 🌍 WR	178 kg — 🌍 WR
Bench Press	85 kg	90 kg	92.5 kg
Deadlift	170 kg	177.5 kg	182.5 kg
Total	—	—	453 kg

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Each lift reflected both discipline and power. Her squat progression showed not only confidence but also control. The 170-kilogram opener was smooth. The 176-kilogram lift was record-breaking. The 178-kilogram third attempt, though slightly shaky, was decisive.

Meanwhile, Dekkers approached bench and deadlift with equal focus. She opened conservatively and built momentum with each round. Her 92.5-kilogram bench and 182.5-kilogram deadlift helped secure her final placing in a tough field.

Now, Dekkers leaves Germany with more than a medal. She leaves as a world record holder. She also exits as a rising star in the IPF—one with both potential and poise heading into future international meets.

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Overview

Throughout the 2025 IPF World Classic Championships, Pleun Dekkers made headlines in the Women’s 52KG class. First, she set a squat world record and broke it again shortly after. Then, she took home the bronze with a 453-kilogram total. Also, she executed every lift without a miss. Therefore, Dekkers established herself as a top contender internationally.

Featured Image – Dutch Powerlifter Pleun Dekkers Sets New 52KG Squat Record at 2025 IPF Classic Championships – Credit: @theipf (Instagram)