A Young Deganwy weightlifter has overcome a substantial injury layoff in 2017 to be named Welsh Senior Weightlifting Champion in 2018.

Bethan Roberts, 18, spent 22 weeks out of the sport in 2017 due to injuries but has come back stronger than ever in the early stages of 2018 claiming the Welsh Senior Championship title in the 48kg weight division.

She said: "I was really happy to get a gold medal because of how inconsistent my training was in 2017 with multiple injuries which hampered my year. So I was extremely happy with my achievement."

This latest title adds to her already impressive list of awards since taking up weightlifting three years ago.

Last year she claimed silver in the Welsh senior championships and was British under 20 Champion.

In 2016 she took out the under 17 Welsh schools championship, under 20 British championship, under 20 Welsh open championship and competed in Austria representing Wales earning a bronze medal.

While in 2015 she was under 17 Welsh schools champion, under 17 British schools champion and under 17 Welsh open champion.

Bethan only took up the sport four years ago when she started going to the gym for strength and conditioning training for her athletics.

After having spent a year in the gym, she was talent spotted having shown the potential of being a good Olympic weightlifter.

From there, the Ysgol John Bright student has developed a strong passion for the sport.

She said: "I am very passionate about doing weightlifting because it is completely different to any other sport I have ever done. Every session is different which makes it very enjoyable.

"Also this is the healthiest I have ever been I am very strong but slim at the same time. I also really enjoy weightlifting because of how much you control the sport, it is very psychological which makes it thrilling when you succeed."

Having started 2018 strongly she has now started a training programme that has her on track to take part in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Her next aim will be to compete in the British Senior Championships next year, while completing her A levels at Ysgol John Bright.

Bethan's Father Konrad Roberts said: "Mum, Dad and her Sister are very proud of what she has achieved so far and are there to help and support her on her journey to 2022."

She trains under coach Callum Stornach at NW1 Strength & Conditioning in Llandudno, where he is owner and head coach.

Stornach has a record of successful weightlifters with one of his athletes, Penrhyn Bay's Holly Knowles, making the Welsh Commonwealth Games squad for the Gold Coast in April.