Local smashes weightlifting records

Ryan Hudson makes his living helping folks get "smaller, faster, stronger" at his OlyFit training studio in Sisters. Last weekend, he demonstrated his own strength and power with a record-breaking performance at the 23rd Annual University of Oregon State Weightlifting Classic in Eugene.

Hudson won his third state title at the 69kg (151.8 pound) weight class and was named the tournament's most outstanding weightlifter, out of 49 participants.

Hudson left records smashed on the floor, breaking the state snatch record by 10kg at 107.5kg (236.5 pounds). He also broke the state clean & jerk record by 17.5kg at 137.5kg (303 pounds).

The outstanding performance is the ninth-best total meet performance in the U.S. and qualifies Hudson to compete in nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 26-28. He believes he's got a strong chance of making the podium.

"If I had showed up at nationals the last two years and hit the numbers I did, I'd have come in third," he told The Nugget.

Hudson, 34, didn't start Olympic lifting till he was 30. Next year, at 35, he will qualify for masters competition. His current numbers would make him the best in the world in his class.