EMMA Kesterton put in a superb performance when she finished in second place at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship in Sun City in South Africa.
The Inverness athlete was called up to the Scotland squad for the first time in her career and competed against the best athletes from Commonwealth countries on Wednesday.
Being selected to represent her country is an incredible achievement for her, considering she only took up powerlifting two years ago.
Kesterton, who works in psychological services for Highland Council, was selected after impressive performances in Scottish and British competitions.
Kesterton, who trains at The Forge Gym achieved personal bests during the competition and says she is proud of what she achieved at the competition.
She said: “It was an amazing experience and I was smiling from start to finish.
“The support from the Scotland team was incredible.
“To hear your team mates cheering you on, waving saltires and singing flower of Scotland is an incredible feeling.
“I was so proud to wear the Scotland singlet and represent my country doing a sport that I love.
“I managed to get two personal bests on my lifts squatting 127.5kg, bench 62.5kg and deadlift 162.5kg to come away with a total of 352.5kg. I didn’t expect to get any where near the podium at my first international competition so I was very excited to win a silver medal. The medal ceremony is a moment I will never forget.”
