Berck-Sur-Mer 2018: Zoe Newson claims first European gold

“It feels weird because I got used to winning bronze and now I have two golds. I am happy with my performance and did not really expect it.”

Zoe Newson had a smile from ear to ear. She had just made history. Only moments before she was standing on the top of the podium at a major international competition for the first time in her career.

The Brit won the women’s up to 41kg at the World Para Powerlifting European Open Championships in Berck-Sur-Mer, France, on Friday (25 May). Newson lifted 91kg to lead both the overall and European standings, and therefore earning two golds.

Two sets of medals are awarded in each event at the Championships. The top three powerlifters overall receive gold, silver and bronze. As well as that, the top three European powerlifters also win medals for being the best in their continent.

“It feels weird because I got used to winning bronze and now I have two golds. I am happy with my performance and did not really expect it,” the 26-year-old said.

Newson won bronze at her two Paralympic Games in London, Great Britain, in 2012, and in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. She was also third at the Mexico City 2017 World Championships and at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“It (winning gold) was a nice feeling. It is different from the Paralympic medals but I am happy with these and the teddies I got,” she said. Two years ago, Newson took silver at the Europeans in Eger, Hungary.

Looking ahead, one of Great Britain´s most successful powerlifters is thinking about resting.

“I want to have a break now, some time off,” she said. “After that, I will start focusing on the 2019 World Championships and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.”

All events are streamed live on World Para Powerlifting's website and Facebook page.

Live results and a full competition schedule is available on Berck-Sur-Mer 2018's website.