World Champion Bench Presser From Capital Region [AUDIO]

The Capital Region is home to Bench Press Champion Wesley "Jim" Kipp. The 51-year old Cohoes resident and lifelong Albany-area native showed up to Zappone Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram with Armen and Levack on Monday afternoon.

In his second of three lifts, Kipp successfully bench pressed 457 pounds, enough to capture the gold medal at the 14th IPF World Masters Men's Bench Press Championships in Northumberland, Newcastle United Kingdom.

"I have Nationals in August," said Kipp. "I need to train for that and hopefully win that again. That will put me on world team for the fourth time.

Podcast: Jim Kipp on with Armen and Levack

"At the end of November, there's the NAPF Pan-America Bench Press Competition. The current world record is 512 pounds. I've hit 518. I just need to do that in a meet."

As an amateur competitor, all of Kipp's expenses come out of his pocket. The Capital Region native is always looking for sponsors to help him reach his goals in setting the world record. Click here for more information on how to contact Kipp directly.