JUPITER, Fla. — Just months after breaking national records in his first year of competitive powerlifting, NextEra Energy nuclear employee Julius Fletcher has added a world record to his résumé.

Fletcher, a work week coordinator at the company’s Jupiter West office, captured first place in the “full power” division at the International Powerlifting League (IPL) World Championships in November in Wolverhampton, England, setting a new world squat record in the process. Competing in the 40-plus “masters” category, Fletcher lifted a combined 1,818.8 pounds across the squat, bench press and deadlift—roughly the weight of two grand pianos.

His 683.4-pound squat set a new IPL world record for his category, and Fletcher was also named best lifter among masters competitors. Across all age groups, he finished second overall in the full power division.

“This competition was a wild ride and a great experience,” Fletcher says.

The world championship victory marked Fletcher’s first international powerlifting meet and capped a rapid rise in the sport. In July, he broke two national records at the United States Powerlifting Association’s 2025 National Powerlifting Championship in Las Vegas, setting new marks in both the squat and bench press in the 35–39 age group—just one year after competing in his first-ever meet.

A lifelong athlete, Fletcher discovered powerlifting in 2024 after a coworker encouraged him to give the sport a try. What began as a new challenge quickly turned into a passion.

To prepare for the world championships, Fletcher spent more than three months in regimented training, often working out up to six days a week while following strict nutrition and sleep plans.

“People see the numbers, but they don’t see the work, the effort or the hours,” he says.

Fletcher balances his training with a full-time role supporting NextEra Energy’s nuclear operations, a career he says has shaped his approach to competition.

“A lot of the parallels tie back to continuous improvement,” Fletcher says. “You reflect on what worked, what didn’t and you build a plan to get better. That mindset carries over into everything I do.”

Powerlifting has also become a way for Fletcher to inspire others, particularly those who believe it’s too late to start something new.

“Many people think they’ve missed their window when it comes to fitness,” he says. “That’s not true. Just getting started is a win. I hope people see my story and realize they’re capable of more than they think.”