There’s a powerlifting champion on the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu campus, and he also happens to be the Business Administration Division chair.
Dr. Matthew Chapmanʻs world championship win took place at the International Powerlifting League (IPL) Drug Tested World Powerlifting Championships, which were held Oct. 24 to 27 in Limerick, Ireland.
Chapman, who is also a professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at UH West Oʻahu, competed on Oct. 26 in the Masters (50-54 years old), 75 kilogram weight class for raw, full powerlifting. Raw powerlifting means competitors cannot use any equipment that gives them an advantage; just safety equipment, such as a weight belt and wrist wraps.
Powerlifting is scored by adding the total weight from three events: full squats, bench press, and deadlift. Chapman won in his category with a total of 460 kilograms, or 1,014 pounds.
“Winning a world championship is really dependent on staying healthy, staying fit, and being ready at the right time and place,” Chapman said. “Fortunately for me, (that) weekend was the right time, and Limerick, Ireland, was the right place.”
The event was live-streamed and the full recording of the meet is available on the Irish Powerlifting Organisation (IPO) Facebook page.