SOUTHEND’S Leigh Wetheridge is celebrating after winning a stunning silver medal at the World Weightlifting Championships in Texas.

The 21-year-old set three new British records on her way to an impressive second-placed finish.

And the performance also exceeded Wetheridge’s own expectations.

“I was thrilled to get the silver medal,” said Wetheridge.

“My goal when going out there was to get a medal of any kind but I thought I would be fighting for third if I’m honest.

“It wasn’t until my second to last deadlift that my coach told me that we were looking at second place if everything went to plan.

“It was a nice surprise to hear and thankfully I was able to do it.”

Wetheridge – who won the European Championships back in March – lifted 180kg squatting, 97.5kg bench pressing and 200k deadlifting for a total of 477.5kg.

And her latest medal also completed a memorable few weeks.

“I have just graduated from the University of Kent with a 2.1 in law so it’s been a really good time for me in the last month or so,” said Wetheridge.

“It’s obviously been quite stressful but I’m really pleased with how it’s gone.”

Wetheridge is now in training for the British Classics event and next year’s European Championships.