Jackie Miller is a 67-year-old, 105-pound woman who just returned from a Puerto Rico vacation where she took the Pan American weightlifting title and set three world records in the 48-kilogram class of the 65-69 age group.
Jackie, a 1966 Hickman High graduate who went on to earn an elementary education degree from the University of Missouri in 1970 and married Lynn Miller two days later, snatched 29 kilograms and clean-and-jerked 36 kilos for a 65-kilo total — all world records, surpassing the marks she set a year ago in winning the world master’s title in the same age and weight classifications.
Jackie was joined by training partner Pat Okker, a 53-kilo lifter in the 55-59 age group, who took bronze in her classification.
The two 50-plus lifters are coached by Jordan Kroell and are a part of the OWOW Club, which trains at Optimus Fitness.
Jackie’s husband, Lynn, is a local dentist who has been around the weight game for years. Because of her husband’s involvement and because she enjoys the challenge of competition, she began training three decades ago, too.
There were no organized sports for Kewpie girls or at MU when Jackie was a student, so she had to be satisfied with intramural competition. She did it all — soccer, volleyball, track, basketball and gymnastics.
After marriage and three kids, it was time to train again. Then along came the OWOWs — “Older Women on Weights.” She was young again.
Blessed with shoulder flexibility not often found in a 60-year-old, male or female, she can handle the more technical aspects of the overhead Olympic lifts — the snatch and the clean-and-jerk, named because they are the only lifts contested in the Olympic Games.
Jackie’s first official competition came in the 2011 Show-Me State Games as a powerlifter. Her next meet was to be in St. Charles in August, but the date conflicts with the HHS Class of 1966 50th reunion.
“There will be only one 50th class reunion, but lots of other lifting meets,” Jackie said.
He’s an 80-kilo powerlifter and Show-Me Games titlist who will be back in action on Aug. 20 in Macomb, Ill. World record for Lynn?
“That’s Jackie’s world,” Lynn says.
Amazing what a guy picks up when he gets his teeth cleaned, isn’t it?
Oh, yes, the Tribune recently reported that my dental hygienist, Kim Morgan, won the world powerlifting title in Wales.
My teeth are in strong hands.
One of the American theater classics, “Steel Magnolias,” is winding up a two-weekend run at Maplewood Barn. If you haven’t seen it, you’ve got three more nights to watch one of the barn’s most heartwarming and well-cast productions in years.
The run, rain or shine, continues at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday night and Sunday evening.
No matter how many times you’ve seen “Steel Magnolias,” you always come away with a strong feeling of family and friendship — and plenty of laughter to balance the deeper emotions involved.
The cast at the barn — six women — was an excellent collection of rookies and veterans put together by a first-time director, Kristina Grant.
The role of Shelby belonged to 15-year-old Kayla Jestis, a sophomore at Southern Boone High School, a veteran of TRYPS and PACE, and a show-stopper in this cast.
She has the advantage of working with a cast of veterans and sharing her youthful enthusiasm with Jessica Festervand, a recent graduate of Williams Baptist College in Arkansas, making her local debut.
You’ve seen Margaret Post, Erica Bruington and the bubbly Amy Hemphrey in other parts, each building their roles here into strong characters. The emotional role of M’Lynn was the property of a veteran of the Kansas City theater scene who had done “Steel Magnolias” twice, but not as M’Lynn — Mindy Nichols.
The barn, of course, is essentially an outdoor theater, but since 2015, rain is no longer a factor. The show will go on inside in comfortable seats, air conditioning and a good sound system. So, if it rains this weekend, go. You will be happy you did.