RUMFORD – National and world powerlifting champion Richard “Dick” G. Austin of Rumford was overcome with emotions Friday afternoon after being inducted into Rumford’s Wall of Fame.

Austin, 78, who has won six world and five national championships and taught weight training to countless area youngsters, broke down while trying to thank town officials for the recognition.

“I’m so honored and privileged to be highly honored with such distinctive and prestigious recognition,” Austin said, struggling with a prepared speech after being inducted by Town Manager Carlo Puiia.

“This puts me in company with Chummy Broomhall, who is one of my local heroes,” Austin said.

Olympian Wendall “Chummy” Broomhall was inducted into Rumford’s Wall of Fame in 2002. After seeing Broomhall’s name ahead of his on the plaque, Austin joked that it was the first time since 1980 that he’d finished in second place.

Both men were also previously inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

Several of Austin’s relatives watched the ceremony, grinning appreciatively and applauding frequently.

Normally, the ceremony is held at the Informational Booth on Route 2 where the Wall of Fame plaque is located. However, due to the crowd of about 40 people of all ages and Friday’s rain, Puiia said officials decided to hold it in the municipal building auditorium.

“Rumford is so grateful and so honored to have someone like Dick here,” Puiia said during the ceremony. “We’re really grateful because Rumford has someone who puts us on the map for a very good reason.”

A weightlifter since the age of 13, Austin said he quit that in 1958 after breaking every record in that sport – both two-handed and one-handed – and became a powerlifter. Many of his records still stand today.

Austin also served his country during the Korean War with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

Puiia presented Austin with a photograph showing Austin in his gym flanked by two medals symbolic of the many national and world medals he’s won.

Former Selectman J. Arthur Boivin, who took the photograph and created the framed award, nominated Austin for the Wall of Fame.

Both Puiia and Austin then hung the picture on the wall beside the Wall of Fame plaque.

Then came the second unexpected surprise of the day when Puiia turned the ceremony over to Turner resident Russ Barlow of the Maine Powerlifting Federation.

“Dick is really a legend in the state of Maine and throughout the country,” Barlow said. “Humble, he’s not, but with that said, I’ve never heard him say a bad word about another athlete and that says something in this day and age.”

Barlow then told Austin and the crowd that the federation renamed its Maine State Powerlifting Federation Outstanding Lifter award the Richard G. Austin Outstanding Lifter award.

“Just so you know, the powerlifting world is behind you,” Barlow said.

Tears filled Austin’s eyes at the recognition, and he struggled for words.

“This has taken me by surprise,” Austin said, before thanking his family members and friends. “I have been blessed so much with other awards and honors that have come my way.”

“Attitude – the right kind – will do it all for you,” he added. “I’m eternally grateful. Thank you.”

He then received a standing ovation.

Afterward, daughter Patty Gilman of Peru said the ceremony was “wonderful.”

“I’m so proud of my dad,” she said. “He deserves it, because he has done a lot for the kids in this community.”

“As for his emotions, that’s what makes him such an amazing man,” she added.