CHARD’S Emily Greenway was in the medals at in the 2019 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Newfoundland, Canada – and thanked the local community for making her ambition a reality.

Greenway took part in the u72 class, finishing with a 167.5kg squat (gold medal position), 80kg bench press (bronze position), 187.5kg deadlift (silver position) and a 435kg total.

That resulted in her coming third overall, claiming the bronze medal out of a field of 10 competitors – and there was only 5kg between her and first place.

Greenway said: “I want to thank anyone and everyone who donated or attended a fundraising event that helped me to compete at the Commonwealth Championships.

“None of this is funded by British Powerlifting so we had to raise it all ourselves and I am very grateful to everyone who contributed.

“It was an overwhelming experience but I really enjoyed it.

“I really wanted the gold in the squat so I was delighted with that.

“The medals in the other events exceeded my expectations and it was a really close competition.”

The Chard star also had familiar faces cheering her on.

“My partner travelled out there with me and my mum and sister surprised me while I was there.

“I didn’t know they were coming until I bumped into them in a cafe!”

Greenway’s next event will be the British Championships in March 2020, when she will be aiming for a podium place.