Records, Excitement, and a Championship on the Final Pull: 2026 USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals

Appleton, Wisconsin — July 12, 2026

At the 2026 USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals, Bradon Gulch won the Men’s Equipped Open 140 kg Division with a 1,076 kg total in a meet defined by American records, clutch third attempts, a controversial jury reversal, and a championship decided on the final deadlift.

Bradon Gulch Benches 332.5 kg at the USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals

Bradon Gulch produced the headline performance. He set an American squat record at 418.5 kg, then became the center of the meet’s biggest debate when his 315 kg bench opener drew three reds for downward motion and the jury overturned the call. Gulch followed with 325 kg, then 332.5 kg for another American record. A 325 kg deadlift gave him a 1,076 kg total and first place in the Men’s Equipped Open 140 kg Division.

Alexis McCarthy's Third Squat Attempt at the 2026 USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals Powerlifting Meet — Alexis McCarthy’s Third Squat Attempt at the 2026 USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals Powerlifting Meet

Alexis McCarthy delivered the day’s best escape. Two misses at 215 kg left her one squat from losing her total and her chance to win. She returned to the same weight, made it, and stayed in the meet. McCarthy later finished with a 195 kg deadlift, a 550 kg total, and first place in the Women’s Equipped Open 65 kg Division.

Bebe Burns Benches 38 kg to Secure an American Record at the USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals Meet

The warmest moment belonged to Bebe Burns. At 84, she had missed her first two 50 kg squats, and the crowd roared for her to make her third. Burns made it, stayed on the board, and later pressed 38 kg for an American record. She totaled 158 kg and won the Women’s Equipped Master V 56 kg Division.

Jase Zachary Pulls 267.5 kg for the Division Win at the USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals Meet

The final word belonged to Jase Zachary. With the Men’s Equipped Open 75 kg title still unsettled, 267.5 kg was loaded for a pull that would move him into first by 2.5 kg. Zachary made it, totaled 727.5 kg, and won the Division on the final pull. Records and a last-lift champion made for a finish worthy of the day.

By the time the last bar was unloaded at Limitless Elite Gym, Gulch had stacked records, McCarthy and Burns had saved their meets on third attempts, and Zachary had taken the 75 kg title with the final pull of the day. USA Powerlifting’s Equipped Nationals gave just enough controversy to keep people talking after the platform cleared and gave the crowd plenty to celebrate.