CRICKHOWELL powerlifter Kathryn Holley managed to overcome an injury worry to win her category at the British Single Lift Championships.

Kathryn, who went to Crickhowell High School and is now a school teacher in Ebbw Vale, feared a shoulder injury she gained at last year’s world championships might flare up again and jeopardise her chances of victory in the Bench press.

Her second lift of 90kg in the event at Weston-super-Mare was enough to see her beat her UK rivals and sees her looking forward to competing in this summer’s world championships, which are being held in Malta.

Kathryn said: “My first lift was 85kg, which started to calm my nerves. I then lifted 90kg which was a good lift, giving me three white lights. My third lift was 91kg and although I lifted it easily enough I had an uneven lock out which meant it was a no lift. However my 90kg lift was enough for first place as second place lifted 80kg. It also meant I retained my British Bench record so I was pleased.”

Kathryn, who converted from being a marathon runner to a powerlifter a couple of years ago after going to the gym, explained her injury fears.

“I suffered with a shoulder injury just before the World Championships last year which causes me to have an uneven lock out sometimes, so this is what I was most worried about. I was therefore glad when I still managed to come first and retain my British title.

“Now I’m planning on going to the World Championships in Malta in June but before I get into heavy training for that I plan to have some treatment on my shoulder and give it some healing time.”