Local powerlifting sensation smashes unofficial world record
According to the King’s School West Rand (TKSWR) Grade 11 learner, what keeps him going is making his father, his uncle Tyrone and his grandmother proud.
When the hard work is done and the time to lift weights arrives, 17-year-old powerlifting sensation Matthew Germanus never disappoints. Recently he even broke the unofficial weightlifting record by lifting 300kg.
Matthew said in a previous interview in 2021 that he was planning to take on the 300kg deadlift challenge.
Not surprisingly, he did just that.
“I did the 300kg deadlift like I said I was going to last time, and I did it at the South African log press, axel press and deadlift competition on March 19 at the Barbell Bullies private gym in Sunninghill, Sandton,” said Mathew.
According to the King’s School West Rand (TKSWR) Grade 11 learner, what keeps him going is making his father, his uncle Tyrone and his grandmother proud.
“They’ve been at every competition and I always want to bring my best version to the competition to make them proud. I am also officially sponsored by Savage Support and I always want to represent them,” said Mathew.
He has achieved four official powerlifting records, four unofficial powerlifting records, a 300kg deadlift (unofficial world record) and was placed eighth at the Irish Rock Strongman Competition for CANSA.
When asked to share his future plans in the sport, he revealed that he was looking at doing a 140kg log press and a 180kg bench press, and competition wise he would like to win the Gauteng and SA strongest man titles.
When he is not picking up weights, Mathew enjoys long walks with his father and his dog, as well as cycling with his uncle and dad.
The advice that he has for his peers and those who would like to try out powerlifting is to take it slow, increase weights slowly, do research on form, and progressively overload the muscle with good form.
“Also don’t max out every week or day; it’s too hard on the body and you’ll end up with an injury,” said Mathew.
Last year Matthew took part in the World Powerlifting Congress – SA competition that was held in Welkom and secured the South African squat record at 180kg, deadlift at 210kg, and bench press at 110kg, with all the weights totalling 500kg.
He trains for two to three hours five times a week at Planet Fitness in Ruimsig and displays a great sense of discipline and maturity for his tender age.
