Coach Williams shatters records in USAPL American Open
Adam Gore/LetsGoICC.com
WASHINGTON, DC - When ICC defensive line coach Ray Williams starting the sport of powerlifting a lot of people laughed when he talked about his goal of squatting 1,000 pounds.
But the Demopolis, AL native silenced the laughter when he set two new American records and unofficially set two new World records at the USA Powerlifting American Open in Washington, DC on Sunday.
"Give God all the glory," said Williams after the competition. "I would be nothing without Him providing me with the strength and ability to achieve this success in His name."
Williams not only set, but shattered the previous American record for raw squat when he moved 931.4 pounds in his third and final lift before going on to set the Raw Total record with a combined lift of 2,204.62 pounds to earn 2014 USAPL American Open 125-plus KG Best Lifter honors.
His second squat attempt surpassed the American and World records when he successfully moved 911.6 pounds.
"I wasn't happy with my last competition," said Williams. "I didn't come in with the mindset to set records. I just wanted to come in to perform and compete to the level where I could leave knowing I gave it my all."
Williams set the American record for total lift when he successfully lifted 738.5 pounds in his final deadlift attempt and at the same time become the first person to ever eclipse the 2,200 pound mark in the Raw Division.
"To God be the glory is all I can say," said an emotional Williams.
He also successfully lifted 534.6 pounds during the bench press competition.
Williams' record-setting day will become official World records when he competes on the world-wide stage, but for now the humble giant is focused on something more important.
"Right now I'm going to focus on my family," Williams said with his trademark smile. "I can't think of a better way to heal and get rested up than spending time with my sons over the Christmas holiday and after that I'll start thinking about future competitions."
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