In late September of this year, weightlifter, bodybuilder, and author Jon North suffered a cardiac arrest while visiting the zoo with his family. After having a defibrillator installed to address what his doctors belive may be a hereditary heart condition, North has prioritized his recovery — which meant avoiding heavy lifting for a period of more than two months.
Yesterday, at the 2016 Move Fast Lift Heavy Invitational, North made his return to weightlifting and snatched 300 pounds. The exhibition-style session was his first time touching a barbell or significant weight since his hospitalization.
Before making the 300 pound lift, North wrote “Lincoln” — the name of his young son — in chalk in front of the platform.
BarBend was on hand to live stream the entire event, including all of North’s snatches and clean & jerks. The full meet video is embedded below. North — the 2011 USA Weightlifting National Champion — joined color commentators David Tao and Mike Graber around the 2 hour, 50 minute mark to discuss his future plans, his lifting on the day, and why his family is such a big motivator for his return to weightlifting.
North is currently serving a USADA sanction “for an anti-doping rule violation due to his failure to properly file whereabouts information” and seems intent on returning to USA Weightlifting competition once eligible again in 2017.
We’re wishing Jon continued success in recovery as he works toward his goal of returning to competition.
Did you watch the Move Fast Lift Heavy Invitational? What were your favorite moments and lifts? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image: Erica Livoti
