Colwood’s Matthew Lucas has always appreciated the slow, steady grind. It’s how he’s built his strength, and now, it’s taking him all the way to the Caribbean.
At 47, Lucas is set to represent Canada at the North American Powerlifting Federation Regional Championships in George Town, Cayman Islands at the end of July. The event brings together the continent’s best lifters, and Lucas will be right in the mix – competing in the Masters 1 (40–49 years old) 120 kg+ category.
“There's going to be some of the best lifters in North America there,” he said. “They haven't released the forecast list yet, so I don’t really know where I’ll stack up. But my goal is always the same: to PR (personal record) my total.”
That total is the sum of three lifts – squat, bench press, and deadlift – and in Moose Jaw earlier this year, Lucas hit a combined weight of 770 kg (1697.5 pounds), enough to win his weight class at the Canadian Powerlifting Union national championships. That victory punched his ticket to the Cayman Islands and potentially to the IPF World Championships in South Africa this October.
“It feels great,” Lucas said of his win in Moose Jaw. “You're travelling, you're away from home, you're not sleeping in your own bed, eating different food. It’s definitely harder doing these meets where you’re away, so to come out on top – it’s pretty special.”
Lucas, who began lifting in 2012 and took up competitive powerlifting in 2018, represents Victoria Barbell in Colwood – what he calls the top powerlifting gym in the region. He won’t be alone in the Cayman Islands. Gymmates Shannon Huff and Jeremy Klaus will also be making the trip after qualifying at nationals.
In Moose Jaw, Lucas squatted 287 kg, benched 177.5 kg, and deadlifted 307.5 kg. Each lifter gets three attempts per lift, with their best result counting toward the total. Lucas said performing under pressure is part of what makes the sport so rewarding.
“These meets are always pretty stressful,” he said. “You only get three attempts at each lift, and if you're not successful, your meet is over. But the cool part is the community – everyone’s supportive. You’re trying to win, sure, but ultimately, it’s about your own progression.”
It’s that mindset that keeps Lucas coming back to the platform – chasing small, steady improvements.
“There’s so much progression that can happen in this sport,” he said. “You don’t get those super gains you hope for, but the incremental gains add up. That’s what’s really enjoyable about it.”
Lucas says he’s keeping expectations open for the Cayman Islands event, with the hope of setting a new personal best. If things go well and his body holds up, South Africa could be next.
“I really would like to fly to Worlds, but I’ll have to see how this one goes,” he said. “These meets are hard on the body, and we pay out of pocket to go. So it’s a big decision – but for now, I’m focused on the Cayman Islands.”
