A local athlete who won three medals at the recent British Masters national championships is aiming for continental glory following a turbulent year.

Bethan Lishman, from Brigham, won gold in the hammer event, as well as silver in the weight throw and bronze in discus events.

Discussing her success, Bethan shared: “To come out the winner in hammer meant so much after the year I’ve been through. I lost my hearing dog, then suffered a haemorrhage after surgery I had at Christmas which scuppered training until early Spring, but I came back with vengeance. I’m a fighter and always have a desire to train hard and reap the rewards that you sow.

To come away with the full set was incredible meant so much to me, it was probably the most important medals I’ve ever won. Standing on top the podium was emotional I remember thinking you’ve done it! The hard work has paid off.”

Lishman pulled her knee during her winning throw but showed ‘true Cumbrian grit’ to get through the rest of the event. Looking towards the new year, the athlete has set her eyes on three events: the European Indoor Championships in Braga and the World Masters Championships before she hopefully reaches her fourth Deaflympics in Brazil.

Speaking about the future, Bethan says: “It sounds daft, but I’m really determined after Covid and everything else that has happened. Next year really is looking exciting and it’s the first time in a long time that I’m excited to get started on winter training.”