Casey Smith missed last year’s World Association of Bench and Dead Lifters world championships because of a torn bicep.

Four first place finishes at the Roland Sanders Jr., WABDL Texas State Powerlifting competition in Dallas last week showed he’s ready to make up for lost time.

Smith, a firefighter with the Natchez Fire Department, won in the novice division and in the Law and Fire Division.

Smith dead lifted 650 pounds, which is only 55 pounds short of the world record.

&uot;I was happy with that,&uot;&160;Smith said. &uot;I’m happy anytime I can get at least 600&uot;

The meet was a fundraiser for a boy in Houston, Texas, who is paralyzed after being shot when someone was stealing his bicycle

Smith usually does not compete in the bench press because of a shoulder problem he has had since he was 10, but decided to compete at the tournament since it was a benefit. He benched 303 pounds.

&uot;Doing the bench press took a little bit out of me,&uot; he said. &uot;But I think I’m back on track and my strength is coming back from tearing my bicep.&uot;

Smith and lifting partner Irby Campbell plan on competing at a meet in Alabama next month to prepare for nationals.

&uot;Irby wasn’t able to get to go to Texas because of work, so he wanted to get a meet in before nationals and it will help me,&uot;&160;Smith said.&uot;

The WABDL National meet will be in Dallas June 24-25.

World will be held in Reno, Nev., in November.

&uot;I’d like to get over 650,&uot;&160;Smith said. &uot;I’m just going to keep working hard.&uot;

Smith is sponsored by GNC in the Natchez Mall.