A SIXTH-FORMER at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman has become a record breaker as she claimed powerlifting gold at an event in Pontardawe.

Savannah Thomas-Millett, 17, broke a record for her age group at a competition earlier this month.

She had been training for the event for three months at Functional 7 gym in Tir-y-Dail, and went on to take first place, lifting 290kgs during her combination of lifts.

Her mum, Sian Andrews explained how Savannah, who is also a cross-style dancer and gymnast ended up winning.

Ms Andrews said: “She had been looking for somewhere to go for quite a while.

“It was very difficult to find anywhere that would take her when she was 16 because of insurance.

“But when she turned 17 she got in and loved it straight away.

“She tried Olympic lifting at first which involves a different combination of lifts, and still does that from time to time, but she wanted to challenge herself with the powerlifting and push on with the heavier weights.”

Savannah attended a Welsh Strength Association competition in Pontardawe on April 1.

Competing against 40 other entrants she broke a record for her age class and took first prize.

It was Savannah’s first weightlifting competition and between back squat, bench and deadlift, she lifted 290kgs.

Ms Andrews added: “She only found out a few days later it was a record and was thrilled.

“Next month is the next competition in Pontardawe again, then after that she is hoping to try a competition in Cardiff with a different organisation.

“Savannah is looking forward to seeing where weightlifting and powerlifting takes her.”