2019 Ray Williams | alpowerliftinghof

Ray Orlando Williams - Optimus Prime

Name: Ray Orlando Williams

Born: September 15, 1986

Hometown: Demopolis, Alabama

Current Residence: Fulton, Mississippi

What is your Alabama Connection?

Alabama is where it all started. Born and raised in Demopolis, Ray Williams grew up on Alabama soil, played football for Demopolis High School, and made his explosive debut on the powerlifting platform at an Alabama State USAPL Championship — squatting 905 lbs in just his second-ever meet and shattering the American squat record. Every record he would go on to break traces its roots back to the state of Alabama.

Current pursuits in life & powerlifting:

Ray continues to compete at the highest level of raw powerlifting while serving as the Defensive Line Coach at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi — a testament to his belief that true strength is built both on and off the platform. He is a dedicated husband and father of three, and his mission remains the same: to inspire the next generation through faith, family, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Lifting History:

When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start?

Ray's journey with iron began through football. As a standout athlete at Demopolis High School, he fell in love with the preparation it took to dominate on the field — setting records in the DHS weight room that still stand today. The grind in the gym was never just about football; it was about becoming the best version of himself. That hunger for strength never left him.

When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?

After finishing a decorated D1 football career at the University of Tennessee at Martin — where he earned All-OVC honors twice and All-American recognition as a senior — Ray's path to powerlifting was lit by his brother, William. Watching his brother compete sparked something inside him. In 2013, Ray stepped on the platform for just the second time in his life and squatted 905 lbs raw, instantly shattering the American USAPL squat record in front of a stunned crowd at the Alabama State Championships. A legend was born.

Do you have a powerlifting nickname, if so what is it and how did you get it?

"Ray Ray" and "Optimus Prime." The nickname "Optimus Prime" was earned the old-fashioned way — by moving inhuman amounts of weight with the calm, unstoppable force of a machine. When you squat over 1,000 lbs raw and the bar barely slows you down, the name fits.

What weight class(es) did you compete in?

120+ kg / Superheavyweight (308+ lbs)

Best Lifts @ 308+ (SHW) Weight Class

The All-Time World Record Raw Squat in Sleeves & at the time it was performed, the All-Time RAW Total at the USAPL Arnold SBD Pro American March 2, 2019.

TOTAL

EQUIPMENT

SQUAT

BENCH PRESS

DEADLIFT

1080.2 (490KG)

878.5(398.5KG)

545.6(247.5KG)

2452.6 (1112.5)

RAW

Best Lifts @ 308+ (SHW) Weight Class

The 1st 1000lb. Raw Squat in Sleeves in powerlifting history & at the time it was performed, the All-Time RAW Total at the USAPL Raw Nationals October 13, 2016.

TOTAL

EQUIPMENT

SQUAT

BENCH PRESS

DEADLIFT

1005.3 (456KG)

844.3 (383KG)

529.1 (240KG)

2378.8 (1078)

RAW

How many years did you compete? Over a decade of competitive powerlifting, beginning in 2013.

Between what year and what year did you compete? 2013 – Present

What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in?

26 sanctioned powerlifting competitions, winning 23 gold medals — a win rate that speaks for itself.

List your favorite meets you competed in:

The Arnold Pro American (Columbus, Ohio) — where he became a cult hero, delivering jaw-dropping performances year after year.
The IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships — where he claimed five consecutive World Championship titles (2014–2018).
The USAPL Raw Nationals — where he became the first man to squat 1,000 lbs raw in sleeves.

What's the highest classification you achieved? International Elite

What's the highest score/total you achieved? 564.96 DOTS

What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?

5-Time IPF Classic Raw World Champion (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
4-Time Arnold Pro American Champion (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
4-Time USAPL Raw Nationals Champion (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
World Record Raw Squat: 1,080 lbs (490 kg) — held since 2019
First man to squat 1,000 lbs raw in sleeves (2016 USAPL Raw Nationals)
American Raw Record Total: 2,452 lbs (2019)
American Raw Record Squat: 1,080 lbs (2019)
American Raw Record Deadlift: 865 lbs (2017)
Broke Paul Anderson's 51-year-old raw squat record (2016)
Arnold Classic fan favorite and multiple-time "most outstanding lifter"

Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?

His brother William, who first introduced him to the sport and believed in his potential before the world knew his name. His best friend and training partner William Burrell, who pushed him since their days competing against each other in the DHS weight room. His wife Jamine and his children Tae'Sean, Daniel, and Jorja — whose love and sacrifice fuel every pound he puts on the bar. And the fans at the Arnold, whose energy year after year reminded him why he competes.

With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?

More than any record, more than any title, Ray Williams wants to be remembered as proof that greatness can come from anywhere. From a small town in Alabama. From a difficult childhood. From a man who never stopped believing. He wants the kid from Demopolis — or any small town — to look at what he built and know that with faith, discipline, and an unbreakable spirit, there are no limits. The bar bends for everyone. Optimus Prime just refuses to stop there.

What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?

"Don't call it training — call it going to work. The moment it becomes a chore, you've already lost the edge. Go in, compete with yourself, master your movement, and trust the process. Strength isn't built in a day, but every day you show up, you're building something that lasts forever. Lift with purpose. Live with purpose. And never, ever let the weight break what's inside you."

What are some of your contributions to the sport of powerlifting in Alabama?

Ray Williams put Alabama powerlifting on the world map. His 2013 debut at the Alabama State USAPL Championships — where he erupted onto the scene with a 905 lb squat in only his second meet — created a wave of national and international attention on the state's lifting community. He has served as the ultimate ambassador for Alabama strength sports, inspiring countless lifters across the state to compete at the local, national, and international level. His performances at every major meet have generated widespread media coverage, bringing visibility and credibility to the Alabama powerlifting community. More than records or titles, his legacy is the next generation of Alabama lifters who grew up watching Optimus Prime and dared to dream bigger.