Exeter College power lifter Shachar Head was relieved to be back on British soil and reflecting on an eventful week in Boston, Massachusetts, USA which saw her break three “teenage 2” world powerlifting records and then make a hasty Sunday morning departure to escape the worst ravages of Superstorm Sandy which caused huge devastation along the Eastern Seaboard.

The last months had proved a rollercoaster of hard training, sweat and tears; and the hard work proved successful as she competed in her first competition abroad where she was joined by her grandparents who live in the USA.

The World Drug Free powerlifting championships took place at the Company Arts Theatre, Rockland just south of Boston and a number of the world's strongest lifters were present for the superbly organised show. Cheered on by a strong British contingent, Head hoisted personal bests in all disciplines except the bench. Not only were the 137.5kg squat (4th lift), 160kg deadlift and 360kg total lifetime bests, they also smashed the existing world bests for a teenager aged 16/17.

The talented field was made up of women from Belgium, France, USA, Malta and the UK. There was some controversy with the bench press where a long pause at the chest before the lift command saw to it that all of the women failed their 3rd lifts. Head will now return to the gym and coach Miles Leeson of Peak Performance Torquay to work on the bench press with longer pauses and the 4th of the world records should be within her powerful grasp.

Head's total for the day of 360kg was the second highest female total behind overall female champion Helen Wuyts of Belgium. With her competing with a 3 kg lighter bodyweight than in previous competitions, Head's points tally based on weight and amount lifted saw her finish 4th in the overall standings rather than the 11th where she placed the year before.

Shachar has proved this year that no matter what you go through and however many doubtful comments you receive, that persevering and being dedicated through the tough times and believing in yourself can take you to the top.

Shachar's response at being crowned world champion in the 70-80kg class; ” I am so made up! I think in the past 3 months I have proved that you CAN achieve things when you set your mind to it no matter what obstacles are put in your way. I'm so lucky to have received the support that I have had and I couldn't have done it without everyone! This means so much, not only to me, but to my family, coach and friends! I'm so happy that I have been able to make my family proud! But I still find it hard to believe that I can call myself a World Champion! It's unreal!”

Head was also quick to thank Carl Throgmorton of Westward Developments for his support “without it I wouldn't have been able to make my dream of competing in the USA come true!”