Yarnton weightlifter Toni Hollis is celebrating after being crowned World Masters Benchpress champion for the first time.

Toni HollisBut she didn't have too much time to reflect on her success, as Toni was straight back in the gym preparing for her next competition - the British Masters Benchpress Championships in Birmingham on May 14.

Although the 48-year-old, who trains at Gosford Hill Sports Centre four times a week, has numerous powerlifting titles to her name, she has never been the World No1 at benchpress.

Toni, who weighed in at just under 55.4kgs, won her latest title in Nymbark, near Prague in the Czech Republic - the same venue where she won the European title last year - and by lifting the same weight of 95kgs.

But there was a disappointment for regular training partner and World Masters champion Mick James, from Kidlington, who was fourth.

Last year, Toni was concerned that the severe flooding around Prague would scupper her attempt to win the European crown, but there were no such problems this time.

"The weather was quite good. There were supposed to be 301 competitors, but some couldn't make it because of the SARS outbreak," said Toni, who was accompanied by her weightlifting husband, Mike.

Toni was also third overall in the champion of champions, which is calculated by estimating the competitor's bodyweight in comparison to what they lift.

"I was really pleased with how I did," she added. "I came away with the same total I had in the Europeans. I did an extra lift of 97.5kgs, which would have given me a new world record, but the judges disallowed it.

"Now, I'm determined to lift 100kg at Birmingham."