Kia Chablis has been backed to become a future powerlifting champion after enjoying a successful British Championship debut in Belfas.

The 45-year-old mother-of-two was taking part in only her third competition, having qualified for the event in her very first outing just before Christmas.

And she defied that inexperience to produce lifts of 160kg (squat), 85kg (bench) and 195kg (deadlift) for a 440kg total and fourth-place finish.

“She put a really decent set together,” said coach Dave Venables, a former world champion.

“Her deadlift was a really easy lift, even the MC remarked on what an easy lift it was.

“The majority of the others were at their fifth or sixth British Championships. I couldn’t be more pleased. She’s listened, done what she’s been told and I wish I’d coached her a few years ago.

“I’m so pleased with her. There were some previous British champions there and she wiped the floor with them.

"I’m not a betting man but I’d put my last £100 on her winning in future, I’m so confident.”

Chablis took up weightlifting as part of her recovery from two back surgeries, in a bid to strengthen her body.

But she displayed a natural talent for the sport and Venables believes she will be better prepared at her next big event.

“A little bit of inexperience showed, she got nervous on the day,” he added.

“Some of them tried to put her off, but it didn’t faze her. Now she knows what to expect when the TV cameras are on you and there’s lots of people, referees, officials. She’s got through it now.”

Chadwell St Mary’s Paul Doherty, a clubmate at the Stanford Weightlifting Club at Corringham’s Cowder Hall Farm, won silver in the M1 120+kg category.

The 40-year-old produced lifts of 280kg (squat), 152.5kg (bench) and 292.5kg (deadlift) and will compete in qualifiers for the World Championships in Mongolia.

Venables added: “They start back training on July 1 and we’ll look at the calendar and see what is coming up for them both.”