A 16-year-old from Portage la Prairie's set a provincial deadlifting record.

Matt Robertson competed in the Westman Strength Classic on Saturday, April 22, which consisted of three events: squats, bench press, and the deadlift. He set the new provincial record in the deadlift event for sub-junior (ages 14-18) in the 83 kg weight category by lifting 195 kg. The previous record set in June 2014 was 192.5 kg.

"I was really pumped," says Robertson. "I've never deadlifted that much before but I just knew the adrenaline would kick in and I would get it."

Robertson competing in the squat. (Submitted photo)

Robertson says he started going to the gym and picked up on the heavier lifts. After a fellow lifter at the gym taught him about competitions he wanted to try it himself.

"I never would've thought a year and a half ago when I started going to the gym that it was going to come to this but I'm glad I did because it worked out really well."

Matthew qualified to compete in the 2017 CPU Western Regional Powerlifting Championships to be held in Winnipeg on September 9th. He'll be competing in all three events again and says it'll be a tough summer or working out to compete with the tougher competition.