BASINGSTOKE powerlifter Beverly Rodgers returned from the second IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Minsk, Belarus in the M1 63kg ladies class.

She was part of a 31 Masters team, many of whom were experiencing their first international.

Going into the competition Rodgers was listed eighth in the nominations based on her qualifying total from the British Masters in March, but went into the competition with hopes of a medal in at least one discipline.

Rodgers said: “I was competing on the final day of the Masters competition and in the days previous had watched my team mates produce some outstanding performances so I was feeling hugely motivated not to let the team down.”

“Having won the All England Championships three weeks previously and hitting personal bests in all three lifts I was excited to see what I could produce here.”

Her opening squat, always the most nerve-wracking lift saw Rodgers comfortably lift 110kg, as then at the second attempt added 117.5kg.

The Basingstoke lifter then jumped to 122.5kg for my third which would have been a competition personal best, but unfortunately she failed to make it.

Next up was her favourite lift, the bench press, and started with 80kg which was enough to win the gold medal.

Rodgers finished with 85kg which was 0.5kg short of her British record.

The competition finished with the deadlifts and finished with three good lifts and also a new personal best of 147.5kg to finish fifth overall, three places higher than the pre-competition nomination expectations.

The Masters team overall enjoyed huge success bringing home over 70 medals/awards overall.

The Basingstoke lifter has just accepted an invitation from the English Powerlifting Association to represent England at the Commonwealth Championships in South Africa in September.

Rodgers said: “I am hugely excited to defend the gold I won in the Bench in this championships two years ago in Vancouver.

“As ever the challenge comes with funding these trips due to their being no funding available within the sport.”

If any local companies would be interested in a sponsorship arrangement then please contact her by email beverleyrodgers@hotmail.com She also have a gofundme page set up, for anyone who would like to support her endeavours this is at gofundme.com/433lovk