A WEIGHTLIFTER from a Cumnock gym has said she has "achieved a dream" as part of a local team that secured two world titles and a top-three finish at a recent competition.

Sophie Holland, who trains at The Unit Strength & Conditioning gym at Borland Farm on the outskirts of the town, claimed the top prize at the World Heavy Events Association (WHEA) world championships open ladies class last weekend.

Sophie was one of three competing from the gym that secured a memorable trip in Finland.

Michelle Leary also claimed a world title in the WHEA world's strongest master, while Ian Easterbrook came third in the under-100kg class.

The amazing achievement from the trio was thanks to hours and hours of hard work and dedication in the gym.

Speaking about her "dream", Sophie said: "When starting strongwoman two years ago, becoming a world champion was something I thought would only ever be a dream.

"But through hard work, discipline and determination I achieved that dream in Finland over the weekend.

"The support I have received has been unbelievable and I am so so grateful.

"Having a team of people who follow you to different countries and encourage you to be the best that you can be means the world, and I couldn’t have got to this point without the support from everyone at home and by my side."

"I still can’t quite believe I have a world title, I’m still on cloud nine," Sophie added.

"It was a very long and tough day, especially after travelling and not being in your own routine, but it was so worth it.

"A lot of people don’t understand the sacrifices and hard work that goes in to getting to this point. I am so proud of myself for how hard I have worked for this and I got the ultimate prize, coming home as a world champion.

"Now it’s time to get to work to achieve the next goal."

Dougie Black, with Michelle and Ian.Dougie Black, with Michelle and Ian. (Image: Submitted)

Sophie, Michelle and Ian have added to the growing list of successful competitors to come out of the local gym.

Only a few weeks ago, Michelle and Ian both finished in the top 10 at the UK National Strongman World Finals for tested athletes.

The trio have been trained and supported through their journey by Dougie Black, who set up The Unit back in 2020.

It's an achievement that he says is fully deserved.

Dougie said: “Michelle and Ian competed a couple of weeks ago, so it can be really taxing on the body to recover for another competition so quickly, so it was incredible for them.

“This was Sophie’s first time at a worlds competition, so this was her full focus and she absolutely smashed it.

“All three of them were amazing, considering the range of competitors that were involved.

“It’s a different world coaching compared to competing because your heart rate is right up because you can’t actively control anything, but they were all incredible.

“Michelle and Sophie have both won their Scottish category, British category and now the world category, so it’s quite the journey they’ve been on."