He’s got the power! Westbury powerlifter is British champ

A WESTBURY man become British powerlifting champion, taking two gold medals at a competition in Alexandria, Scotland.

Matt Doughty, a site manager at John of Gaunt School, has been a powerlifter for three years, and last month took the title at the British Powerlifting Organisation’s championship.

39 year-old Matt said, “I’m really pleased with the results because I put a lot of hard work in and am very dedicated. I train three times a week at Dynamik Bodyz and always give it my all.

“I competed in the bench press and deadlift, where I managed 190kg and 270kg respectively. Winning this competition means I qualify for the European Championships, which will be held at Aldershot in June.

“I got into powerlifting after spending a lot of time at the gym and wanting to get back a sense of competition. I was a champion Tae Kwon Do fighter in 1998, had rugby trials for England when I was younger, and ran the London Marathon in 2005. I’m not built for marathon running but I always saw it on TV and wanted to do it myself.

“I’ve always loved sports and am very ambitious. I set the bar high but I put 100% into everything I do. My goal now is to become world champion next year, before I move into the masters category.”

Matt, who weighs roughly 125kg (19.6 st), currently competes in the open category, which covers men aged 23 to 39. When he turns 40 in July he will progress to the master’s 40-44. He competes raw, meaning he does not wear a supportive suit.

To find out more about the British Powerlifting Organisation go to www.britishpowerliftingorganisation.com.