A teenager is hoping to become a powerlifting world champion.

Jodi Collins, 16, from Sittingbourne, took up the sport about three-and-a-half years ago and she is now preparing for a number of upcoming competitions.

The Fulston Manor School student is coached by her sister’s boyfriend, Kieron Price, and another coach Richard Smith, and she practices every single day.

She said: “It was really Kieron who got me into powerlifting and I found that I was pretty good at the sport.

“Both Kieron and Rich are amazing and I wouldn’t be lifting the weights I am now if it hadn’t been for them both.”

She added: “Powerlifting legend Eddie Hall AKA ‘The Beast’ inspired me because of his 500kg deadlift world record he set.”

Jodi can deadlift 140kg – more than double her body weight – and can squat an impressive 125kg.

She is now training for a number of competitions including The All England Bench Press, The All England All Three Lifts - which will include squat, bench and deadlift - and The British Champions.

After these, and if Jodi has totalled enough points, she will hopefully continue to The World Championships, which will be held in either Africa or Sweden later this year.

Jodi’s coach Richard converted half of his unit on Sittingbourne’s Eurolink estate into a gym just before the first lockdown and Jodi said it had been such a relief to be able to powerlift during that time as it helped her focus on something and kept her going.

Both Richard and her other coach, Kieron, put together her training plan and pushed her to her full potential.

“My parents are proud of me. I have gotten a continuous amount of support from my teachers as well who are always asking me what I have achieved,” Jodi said.

“My friends are proud of me and always wish me good luck before a training session or a big competition. I’m really hoping to join Team GB if I continue to win medals.”

Sarah Palmer, publicity manager for Fulston, said: “Jodi is a talented and focused sportswoman and we are as proud of her as we could possibly be.

“We wish her every ounce of luck towards her goal of being selected eventually for the Powerlifting Team GB.”

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