The vegan powerlifter marked his debut in the Masters division with a dominant performance, securing multiple California State records and even surpassing a world record in the squat.
Competing in the 110 kg class, Nick Squires opened with a huge 317.5 kg squat — a lift that set a California State record, a National record, and exceeded the current world record. The latter will not be officially recognised as it was achieved outside an IPF-sanctioned meet, but the number underscores the scale of his performance.
He followed with a 182.5 kg bench press, a milestone he has been chasing for some time and his first bench over 400 lb.
Squires closed with a 300 kg deadlift, a number he felt was below his best, yet still strong enough to secure additional State records in both full power and deadlift-only categories. His total also earned a State record. All of his achievements were made in drug-tested competition, consistent with his commitment to natural lifting.
Powered by Plants
Nick’s latest success adds to a long list of achievements — all accomplished as a vegan athlete. He adopted a plant based lifestyle in 2014 after he volunteered in dog welfare, questioned how he could “rescue and rehabilitate these animals while at the same time, eating others.”
Since then, he has collected numerous records across California, one of the most competitive powerlifting regions in the United States.
“What has kind of surprised me as an athlete is that the more experienced someone is in strength training, the more open they are to the idea of a vegan athlete,” he says.
More Challenges Ahead
True to form, Squires is already focused on what comes next. His goals include “taking my 800kg total to @powerlifting_america and hoping to compete at age division nationals next April.”
A remarkable Masters debut — and no doubt more big lifts to come.
