A BUDMOUTH Technology College teacher has become one of the top five powerlifters in Europe after a fine display in her first ever senior international representing Great Britain.

Louise Watton, 23, flew to Sweden to compete in the European Powerlifting Championships, scoring a personal best in each of the three disciplines.

That secured her an overall personal best and fifth in the championships, meaning her sights are now set on flying to the World Championships in Durban, South Africa, later this year.

“I was really pleased with that – it was above my expectations,” said the PE teacher. “I got personal bests in all three lifts and then added them together for an overall personal best so I couldn’t have done much more.

“I’ve been working really hard in training so it’s nice that it’s all come together.

“I was well prepared and had done an awful lot so felt confident I could go there and challenge.

“I seem to rise to the big occasion so I was looking forward to it more than anything.

“I need nerves to help me produce my best but I was excited as well because it was such a big competition.”

Watton will aim for success in the British Championships next month, with a good performance hopefully qualifying her for the World Championships.

However, even if Watton makes the qualifying standard, she needs to get the time off work and find sponsors to help her make the expensive trip of more than 5,000 miles.