A WEYMOUTH powerlifter has topped off a fantastic year of competing in style by clinching the ABPU World Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Kane Francis travelled to the USA to compete in the Under-140kg Bodyweight class of the competition.

After qualifying for the event earlier in the year by winning the European Championships in Limerick, Ireland, and setting two new European records in the process, Francis was primed to have a great performance in the Worlds.

Unfortunately in the lead up to the event he suffered an injury which hampered his training and preparation.

With the rehabilitation support of Abbie Williams and his coach Shane Flowers, Francis built back to a competitive standard and flew to the USA.

Francis who trains at New Body Fitness in Weymouth took to the lifting platform and not only took the world title but also set two world records in the squat with 305kg and the deadlift with 300.5kg.

A delighted Francis said: “All in all, I was really happy with my performance, there are still improvements to make but considering the injury rehab it was a fantastic achievement.

“It was great to represent Weymouth on the world stage.

“Huge thanks to Shane my coach and all the lifters from New Body for their support.”

Francis now moves on to the Andy Bolton Deadlift Challenge on Saturday as he is aiming for more success in the next year.