In the competitive world of powerlifting, where strength and determination are paramount, one young man has risen through the ranks to make a name for himself. Matthew Domville, a Front Line Associate (FLA) at Stapharm a GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) agent, recently clinched victory at the National Powerlifting Squat Only meet in the 74kg category. His journey from a novice lifter to a national champion is a testament to his perseverance and passion for the sport.
Domville’s introduction to powerlifting began in August 2021 when he first stepped into a gym. At the time, he weighed a mere 62.5 kg (138 lbs) standing at 5’10”. The gym offered him a chance to transform his physique and, more importantly, his confidence. “Growing up, I was known for being a bit weak and easier to push around, so the idea of finally feeling strong was very appealing,” Domville reflects. His initial goal was simple: to feel stronger and more resilient.
The allure of powerlifting for Domville lay in its focus on tangible, measurable goals. Unlike other fitness pursuits that often emphasize aesthetics, powerlifting is all about numbers. “When it comes to the gym and fitness, there’s huge amounts of body dysmorphia and body standards. Competing in something that is focused on numbers and not how lean and muscular I look helps me stay consistent,” he explains.
Remarkably, Domville began competing just three months after he started powerlifting. However, recognizing the need for further development, he took a break to learn more about the sport and build his physical capabilities. His preparation for competitions involves a meticulous approach with three distinct phases: volume and conditioning, strength building, and peaking. Each phase demands adjustments in diet, training, and recovery to optimize performance.
For Domville, the joy of powerlifting extends beyond the physical gains. “Less than 20% of people go to the gym regularly, and less than 40% of that amount ever get to the point where they can lift multiple times their body weight,” he proudly states. Powerlifting has also instilled in him a keen awareness of his health, prompting him to track calories, read food labels, and manage his sleep—all in pursuit of lifting heavier weights.
Domville’s hard work culminated in his victory at the National Powerlifting Squat Only meet. With personal bests of a 187.7 kg (414 lbs) squat, a 111 kg (245 lbs) bench press, and a 230 kg (508 lbs) deadlift, all at a body weight of around 75kg (165 lbs), his achievements are nothing short of impressive. Winning his weight class was a moment of immense pride. “Just showing up to compete and doing enough to win my weight class is a big achievement. All of us that compete have our jobs and life responsibilities, so I’m genuinely proud,” he says, acknowledging the efforts of all participants as “everyday athletes.”
Since joining GKMS in 2022, Domville has balanced his professional responsibilities with his passion for powerlifting. He has worked across various services, including Bill Express, Western Union, and FX Trader, gaining insights into the critical role these services play in Jamaica’s financial ecosystem. “My favourite part about the job has been learning about how important each service is to keeping the flow of so many systems in the country,” he notes.
Domville’s recent victory is not just a personal milestone but a motivation to continue striving for excellence. “It shows me that I’m moving in the right direction. If not anything, it’s motivated me more to do as much as I can to keep winning,” he asserts.
Matthew Domville’s journey is an inspiring tale of how dedication, hard work, and a supportive environment can lead to extraordinary achievements. As he looks forward to future competitions, his story serves as a reminder that with the right mindset, even the most ambitious goals are within reach.
