PLUCKY powerlifter Kathryn Holley carried the weight and claimed the crown of British Powerlifter Champ for Bench in Weston Super Mare on the weekend.

Last year Holley powered her way to glory at the BDFPA National Champs at Kings Lynn where she broke bench press records and was crowned best female lifter.

Keen to keep the momentum going, a few months later Holley made the trip overseas to Antwerp to compete in the World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF) Championships.

The 36-year-old teacher who only took up weightlifting after the grind and grunt of running marathons took its usual wear and tear on her body, went in all guns blazing.

Despite suffering from a slight cold and a twinge in her shoulder, Holley gave it her all. And her steely resolve paid off handsomely. She powered her way to a first in the Bench Unequipped category.

This year Holley has upped her game yet again and weighing in at 67.9kg went for glory at Weston - knowing that a top three finish would see her qualify for the World Championships in Malta.

With the weight of expectation on her shoulders, Holley went in with a first lift of 85kg to “settle her nerves,” and then lifted the 90kg to win the competition.

Holley told the Chronicle, “My final lift was 91kg. Although I lifted this without a struggle and I felt I could do more, I locked out uneven which meant it was a no lift.

“I suffered from a shoulder injury last year so I sometimes struggle to keep the bar straight. The person who finished second to me lifted 80kg so I still win the championship and retained my British Bench record of 90.5kg.”

With a trip to Malta on the cards, Holley is keen to get back in the gym and get training. She’s also delighted to have some homegrown support in her corner, courtesy of Abergavenny’s very own Indian restaurant, the Sundarbon Kitchen.

Holley explained, “Ali who owns the Sundarbon Kitchen has offered to help support me in getting to the World Championships in Malta this June.

“Ali hears about my achievements from my dad and also myself when we eat in his restaurant. He says my enthusiasm inspires him and he would like to support me in travelling to the World Champs.”

Holley added, “Ali used to weight-lift himself and said he’s impressed by my strength, dedication and commitment. He also admires how I fit all my training in whilst still being a teacher. I don’t have a coach so he wanted to contribute to help me in a way that he can.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him.”