Bronzed Melissa's special birthday party on rostrum

A BRONZED Melissa Wall celebrated her 52nd birthday at this year's European Benchpress Championships.

Yes, that was the medal the Aviemore powerlifting ace won for herself at Hamm, Luxembourg on October 9.

And it wasn't just a gong she came away with from her benchpress but a new personal best, surpassing her 72.5kg lifting 75kg.

She told the Strathy: "I'm delighted with my performance in Luxembourg and bringing home bronze medal for the GB Team.

"I was also determined to PB on my lift – what better time than to do it than on your birthday?!

"I've increased my benchpress by 7.5kg since January, by putting in an extra day's training in the gym and specifically building my back to help cope with the lifts and I'm thankful it paid off.

"Having the new Olympic lifting facilities at High Life at the Aviemore Community Centre has been a godsend as it means I can save at least a day's travelling to my other gym in Inverness.

"I'm already back in training for the British Equipped Championships in January, which is my vital qualifier for international 2019 selection."