Berck-Sur-Mer 2018: Mateus de Assis dreams big

Mateus de Assis is undoubtedly one of the most promising new faces in the powerlifting international scene.

At just 20 years old, Brazil’s Youth Parapan American champion competed at his first World Championships in Mexico City, last December, coming in ninth place in the men’s up to 97kg.

He also took part in his maiden Parapan Ams in Toronto, Canada, in 2015, just missing out the podium to end in fourth place.

As he continues to grow, de Assis targets success at the European Open Championships in Berck-Sur-Mer, France, where he will be one of 17 Brazilian powerlifters competing between 25 and 29 May. The young powerlifter will move up one category to the up to 107kg.

“My goal is to improve my own mark and reach 210kg to beat the Brazilian record,” said de Assis, whose personal best is of 193kg from Mexico City 2017. “I have confidence and am working towards that. I am very happy for being able to represent my country.

“The 2017 World Championships were a new experience for me, but it was really nice and enjoyed a lot.”

De Assis knows that there is a lot to improve for him to have the chance to fight for medals at a major international competition. But he is on the right path.

“Every athlete always needs to improve. In my case, I need to get better some technical things and the concentration.”

There is one powerlifter he especially admires and is none other than Iranian Siamand Rahman, the world’s strongest ever. “He is so good and lifts so much!” he said.

Although Berck-Sur-Mer 2018 is quickly approaching, De Assis already plans what comes next.

“I see myself competing at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. And Tokyo 2020 would be a dream coming true. We are working hard towards that. It is my biggest dream.”

For more information about the European Open Championships in Berck-Sur-Mer, visit the event website.