A FEMALE powerlifter from Cornwall said she amazed herself with her own performance at the BPF European Championships – breaking four world records on the way to claiming gold.

Nicola Twining bulldozed her way to the Under 82.5kg title at the event held in Coventry on Thursday with a combined lift weight of 380kg, the equivalent of three baby elephants.

Having to carry out three types of lift the 26-year-old who teaches maths at Camborne Science and International Academy picked up 160kg in the dead lift section, 150kg in the squat position and did a 70kg bench press.

Each of these broke world records already held by Twining along with smashing the combined weight mark, also owned by her, by a whopping 35kg.

Despite already being a record holder, Twining who also captains Penryn’s female rugby team said the results were a real surprise to her.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

“I came back to work on Monday on cloud nine, it was such a good weekend.

“I have been carrying an injury recently so I wasn’t expecting much but everyone else from my gym, Evolution in St Ives, was looking strong so I felt like I had to up my game.

“The funny thing is I could have actually done better if I wasn’t injured going into the event, but I am still amazed.”

Twining, who stands at 5”1, said the support she got during the championships was incredible and has returned home to a great response.

She said: “Dave and Sue Davies at the gym gave me so much advice and encouragement going into Coventry which really helped me out.

“I have also received a lot of support from my mum, twin sister and everyone at Penryn Rugby Club where I’ve been juggling taking part in these competitions with being the ladies’ skipper.

“The school I work at have also been so helpful allowing me time to train and compete. The pupils were all excited when I returned with news of how I did, which was nice to receive.”

Twining said she is now looking forward to other competitions next year.

With the World Championships taking place in Mexico, she admitted competing out in Central America may be off the cards due to the costs and travelling involved.

However, she added there are other events on her radar.

Twining said: “Away from the world’s in Mexico, there are championships in Spain and Ireland which I am looking to go to.

“At the moment I’m focused on getting myself 100 per cent fit ahead of those events next year, then I’ll see how go from there.”