THREE teenagers are demonstrating true girl power on the national power lifting scene.

The LeAF Studio students were all crowned British champions in their weight categories at the Women’s British Classic Weight-lifting Championships.

Charlie Chester, 18, and 16-year-olds Lucy Rayner and Megan Davies are now in the running for selection for the Great Britain Junior team.

Charlie also smashed the British record in both the squat and the deadlift – in her first-ever major championship.

Executive principal of the LeAF Studio, Dr Annetta Minard, said: “We are all incredibly proud of the girls and their amazing achievements at the British championships.

“For one of our girls to win a national title is impressive but for all three to be crowned champions is amazing.

“All of them are dedicated athletes and it’s great to see their hard work pay off so well.”

Megan and Charlie came into powerlifting following success at the weightlifting programme of the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence.

Lucy entered the sport after a successful spell as a shot putter and discus thrower.

All three girls train under the expert guidance of their coaches, LeAF’s Tom Smale and Paul Rees of AKA Bournemouth Barbell.

To help the girls lift more than double their own body weight they are given weekly strength and conditioning programmes, high-intensity gym sessions and a set nutrition guide.

Paul said: “To be successful, a lifter must be efficient and effective and all three girls have this in plenty.

“Contrary to popular belief increasing muscle mass is not a prerequisite for powerlifting.

“We are all very proud of the girls but now they have to step up to the challenge of international competition – and we’ll be with them every step of the way.”