A YOUNG female powerlifter from the dale has lifted her way to success after winning a world title.
Kerrie Price, from Stainton Grove, started training just 18 months ago in an attempt to lose weight and get healthy.
However, the 24-year-old microbiologist who works at Glaxo, admits she has since become addicted to the gym, training at least four times a week.
Despite never competing in any sport before, Ms Price qualified for the Amateur World Powerlifting Congress (AWPC) World Championships, which took place earlier this month.
As the youngest in the open category, she took the world title in the U82.5kg women’s deadlift only powerlifting class. The competition, which was held in Manchester, saw her compete against 17 others.
Ms Price has now qualified for the 2019 AWPC World Championships, which will be held in Orlando, in Florida.
She said: “It does not feel real yet. I weighed in on the Saturday and opened with 140kg deadlift and then we did 152.5kg which got me the gold. It was scary because I knew after my second lift that I had won because the other girl who was specifically against me had lifted a lot less.
“I wanted to get a new PB and I got that. I went for the British record of 161kg which I missed.
“That has stayed in the back of my mind and even though I won, I am not satisfied. It is one of those sports where you always want more,” she said.
“It is crazy to think that this time last year my PB was 107kg. I never thought I would progress that quickly.”
Ms Price trains with her fiancé David Alexander, 26, who has been doing strongman training for the past 18 months.
She attends Glaxo gym, in Barnard Castle, as well as Body Extreme, in Newton Aycliffe, and receives professional coaching from Rhianon Lovelace, at Kaos Strength, which is based in Preston.
She said: “18 months ago I decided I wanted to lose some weight and get healthy. I got a bit addicted to the gym and started lifting heavier and heavier weights.
“In September last year I decided I wanted to do something a bit more serious with it. I decided to go down the powerlifting route.”
Ms Price took part in her first competition in Wales in February. She came first and qualified for a place in the British Championships and the European Championships.
Although she was unable to attend the European Championships, she brought home fourth place from the British Championships, which were held at Birmingham’s NEC in May.
Ms Price is now gearing up for the Andy Bolton Deadlift Challenge in aid of Kidney Research UK. This will take place in October and both Ms Price and Mr Alexander will be competing in it.
Ms Price said: “This is the first sport I have ever competed in. I am doing things now that I never thought I would ever do. Determination has been the key to my success. Once I get the bit between my teeth I just run with it.”
Ms Price is seeking local businesses that might be interested in sponsoring her week-long trip to Orlando next year where she will defend her world title. Advertising at events will be given in return.
Anyone interested can contact Ms Price by emailing kerrieprice715@gmail.com.
