Matthias Yap Zhe Yao (Chinese: 叶哲尧; pinyin: Yè Zhéyáo; born 27 September 2000) is a Singaporean Powerlifter. He is an Asian Champion and a two-time National Champion under the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).[1] coached under CoachbyMARC, founded by his elder brother, Marcus Yap.
He made his first international competition debut at the 2017 Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships held in Kerala, India where he came in 2nd, winning a Silver Medal.[2] He also competed in the 2018 Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and won his first Gold Medal at an international meet.[3][4][5] He attempted the Asian squat record of 213 kg in the same competition but was unsuccessful. He is a two-time National Record Holder in the U74 Sub Junior Category.[6]
Matthias Yap was born and raised in Singapore. Coached by his eldest brother, Marcus Yap, he started competing in national competitions in 2015 at the age of 15 and made his debut on the International platform in 2017, winning the Silver medal in the Asian Classic Championships held in Kerala, India. He then proceeded to the 2018 Asian Championships held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to become the Asian Champion.[2]
He has 2 older brothers, Marcus and Matthew, who also compete for Powerlifting Singapore and are multiple Asian Champions and World record holders.[7][8][9]
Yap handles media relations and finance for CoachbyMARC, a coaching company that specialises in Powerlifting and Strength & Conditioning founded by his brother Marcus Yap.