POWERLIFTER Kitty Burroughs returned with a bronze medal after a fantastic performance at the World Championships in America.

The 39-year-old, from Colchester, only took up the sport a year ago and was stunned to be picked for the Great Britain squad in Texas.

However, she proved the selectors' decision was a wise one after finishing third in the Masters One -84kg squat.

She admitted the whole experience was fantastic and that it was amazing to compete alongside the best powerlifters in the world.

"It was a privilege to share a stage with them," said the personal trainer, who trains at Hamiltons Fitness Centre in Colchester.

"I felt so moved every time I heard a national anthem and many of the winners were brought to tears as they realised their hours of training had come to fruition.

"That's certainly how I felt after winning my medal.

"The first squat was an easy 120kg and my second matched my previous personal best - 127.5kg.

"My third squat was then a very challenging 132.5kg.

"It got stuck halfway up but I managed to grind it out for a new personal best and third place.

"I went on to hit a new personal best on the bench press, managing 60kg.

"Then I had to get ready for the deadlifts.

"It was midnight by that point and it had been a long day, having expended so much energy.

"I pulled a 150kg deadlift on my third attempt, which was an equal third place and would have been another bronze - but unfortunately it was disallowed on a technicality. I'll get it next time!"

Burroughs admitted being extremely nervous before competing - so much so that she was unable to eat.

She also said the intense heat caused issues as she acclimatised on day one.

"It was super-hot as soon as I got off the plane," she said.

"I don't handle heat well so stayed out of the sun and enjoyed the air conditioning.

"The first day was spent watching the older competitors lifting and trying unsuccessfully to settle into the different time zone.

"On the day it was my turn to lift I got to the venue at 1.30pm, but the two platforms were already running behind.

"I was too nervous to eat but weighed in and they checked all of my kit met specifications.

"I had a long wait as my group didn't start lifting until 8pm and finished at nearly 1am."

Burroughs' first-ever competition was early this year and she followed it up by winning a national title in February, becoming British champion.

She turned to powerlifting last July, having been keeping fit in the build-up to her wedding.

Now she is switching her attention to a national competition in August.

"After that I'll be off-season until the regionals in January," she said.

"That means lots of technical training and tweaking of the main three lifts, as well as lots of assistance strength work.

"I can only dream of being selected for the World Championships again next year, which are planned for Belarus."