Former Canton athlete Jim Randall, know as Pastor Jim, recently captured several U.S. National Olympic Weightlifting Championships. Submitted Photo.

A year after winning every Masters Olympic Weightlifting title the sport has to offer, Jim Randall, a former Canton athlete, not only came back to reclaim his National title, but did so by smashing every existing record in another weight class. This time, at 109+

“Nine Olympic records in one day; what an accomplishment,” said Olympic coach Rob Arroyo. “He is simply one of the most amazing athletes in the sport today. If he continues at this pace, there is no doubt in my mind that Jim will be inducted into the Masters Olympic Weightlifting Hall of Fame; even before he retires. Every one of his lifts was near perfect.”

Randall went six for six in his lifts, “white lighting” his way to nine Olympic records. A rare feat in Masters Olympic Weightlifting. He bested the Snatch record by 9 kilos; the Clean & Jerk by 12 kilos, and the Olympic Total by 21 kilos.

The event, held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in Pennsylvania, was jam packed with fans from all over the country, including a host of former Olympic athletes, all covered via live TV through Lift Cast sports.

“After setting the first record, everyone was on their feet every time Pastor Jim (as he know by his teammates) entered the staging area to lift.” The crowd was very excited” said another lifter. People were treated to an exceptional Olympic event today.”

“Since my days of training as an Olympic athlete, I have seen only a handful of lifters accomplish what Pastor Jim did. He definitely sent a message to the International Olympic Committee, and his world-wide competition,” said coach Arroyo.

When asked about his accomplishment, Pastor Jim simply said “The Lord has sure been good to me.”

So what now? asked another reporter. “I think I’ll get a bite to eat with the team, and start training for the Pan Am Games when I get home,” said Randall.

Any reason why you went up a weight class? asked the reporter. “Yes”, said Randall. “I want to lift against the “big Swede.” He’s been unbeatable as a World Champion in the 109+ weight class, and I’d like to take a shot at it.”

Spouting a “David and Goliath” contrast, one reporter said “Shot indeed.” He’s 6’7” and 345 lbs. You think you can beat him? Pausing, Randall said “If the Lord is for me, who can possibly be against me?”