Local resident Caleb Williams defended his national weightlifting title at the Olympic Weightlifting National Championships held in conjuction with the Arnold Classic from March 1-4 in Columbus, Ohio.

Lifting for Peak Perfomance of Georgia Weightlifting in the 69-kilogram class, Williams made three successful lifts in the snatch, ending with a personal record of 128 kilograms.

On his second attempt, in the clean and jerk, Williams successfully lifted 166 kilograms to set a new all-time American record. That lift also set a new American record in the total for the 69-kilogram class with 294 kilograms. It also successfully defended back-to-back national championships.

This makes Williams one of only two lifters to currently hold American records in weightlifting and powerlifting (competing in the squat, bench press and deadlift), where Williams is a former world champion and current world record holder.

Competitions were held in 15 body-weight categories as top Olympic hopefuls vie for berths on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team that will compete in London. More than 200 athletes are expected to compete in the weightlifting event with the hopes of representing Team USA at the Games. The Arnold Sports Festival, held annually in Columbus since 1989, is the nation’s largest multi-sport event. More than 18,000 athletes competed.