Preston gym owner celebrates as she beats a world heavyweight record

Rhianon Lovelace, 24, risked unconsciousness as she lifted more than five and a half times her own body weight in order to achieve the Silver Dollar Deadlift record.

She managed to lift 364kg/802lb at her Preston-based gym Kaos Strength, on Greenbank Street, at noon on Sunday - watched by online fans.

The feat is an elevated deadlift from 18 inches height which is double the height of a standard barbell.

Hoistorically strongmen used to perform the lift with barrels full of silver dollars, and the winner of the event often won all the money they successfully lifted.

However there are huge physical risks, including unconsciousness and shock, and she had to have medics on hand.

TSpeaking on socila media after her achievement, the former Lytham St Annes High pupil, who grew up on Albert Road, Blackpool, said: “Absolutely over the moon. The day went better than I could have ever expected.

“I really thought 800lb was a long shot. Just goes to show even now I still doubt my ability too much. More self belief needed!”

She beats Swedish strongwoman Anna Harjapaa who held the women’s record at 335kg/738lb.

The former University of Central Lancashire student became a powerlifting world champion in 2015 at just 18 years old, having got into lifting sports in 2013.