Lauren Kirsten Connolly describes her respect for Matt this way; “My mcm goes out to this champ who has been through hell and back and still manages to come out on top. Toughest cookie I know, with an incredible story and never fails to effortlessly inspire others every single day He’s on top of the world right now and no back surgery, spider bite or anything could bring him down”.


At WABDL Worlds in Reno in 2013 Matt felt ‘it’ happen on a big deadlift attempt. He felt something snap in his lower back. Instinct told him it wasn’t good, but like most powerlifter’s he thought the pain would go away. It did not. Then in March 2014 after back surgery, heart issues and an allergic reaction to a spider bite the doctors told him he would never lift again much less compete. Obviously the doctors did not take into account the heart, desire and dedication in this young man’s heart.

On Saturday, April 11th Matt proved the doctors and the doubters wrong by competing in, and winning the 2015 WABDL World Cup at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Matt benched well over 300 lbs RAW which is a fantastic lift for a man of his size, but more importantly he was on the platform again doing what he loved. In Matt’s words; “Lifting in this competition was a huge accomplishment for me. It could have never happened if it wasn’t for my family, friends and every single person that has supported me. I can’t thank you all enough!”

Never doubt the heart of a lion!