WEST Wight powerlifter and chippy owner Lisa Johnston has become a world champion and new world record holder — just a year after taking up the sport.

Lisa, who owns the Rainbow Fish Bar, Freshwater, gained her title in the 75kg M2 category representing GB at the AWPC World Powerlifting Championships in Manchester on Thursday last week.

The 46 year old, coached by Scott Byrne, of The Strongroom, Newport, followed her gold medal at the recent British Powerlifting Championships with setting a new M2 75kg world deadlift record with a 140kg lift.

During the competition Lisa also hit personal bests on the squat, bench press, deadlift and combined total.

She beat the world record with her first deadlift of the day with 135kg, then beat it again with the 140kg on her second lift.

Lisa, who has severe and debilitating food intolerances, said she had prepared well for the event.

“When I took to the platform, I felt very determined and knew I could succeed,” she added.

“In breaking my previous record and setting a new one, I felt overwhelmed and overjoyed. All my hard work had paid off.

“I feel really proud of what I had achieved and proud to be a part of a growing community of women who, like me, had attended for the sole purpose of proving to themselves what they were capable of.

“It really goes to show that if you set your mind to something and focus with drive and determination towards your goal, anything is possible.”