STEWARTRY-based weightlifter Beth McKee came in second at the Rainhill Trials fitness competition.

The competition took place in Manchester at the Sports City Stadium and saw over 480 athletes competing across different categories and challenges. In the months leading up to the event, Beth and her coach Anne Halliday, of Unicorn Strength Gym in Castle Douglas, were hard at work training for the event and competing in multiple qualifiers to ensure a place at the competition.

Also taking part was fellow Stewartry athlete Kirsty McColm. Beth and Kirsty took on six different intense fitness events across eight hours, battling against approximately 60 other girls in their category.

Kirsty competed on February 25 and had an outstanding performance, exceeding every expectation she had. Her highest finish was taking fourth place in the 1000m row. After five events Kirsty made it into the top 15 and the final. After an intense workout Kirsty took 15th place overall for the day.

Beth took to the competition floor on February 26. She placed top ten in all six events and had been fighting between first and second place all day – heading into the final event she was sitting second. After a tough battle in the final between the top three ladies, Beth took second place overall, with the slightest of points separating her and first place.

Commenting on Beth and Kirsty’s success, coach Anne Halliday said: “It was an incredible weekend, full of excitement and adrenaline. Both girls were absolutely phenomenal and I cannot explain just how proud I am of them. I am deeply honoured to be part of their journeys with fitness and competing and am humbled to witness what they are capable of. It was a truly memorable weekend!”

Beth added: “I had no expectations going into the day, besides giving every event my absolute maximum effort, and it paid off. Even in the events that were on my weak side, I surpassed how well I thought I was going to do.

“I would have been happy to make it to the final, let alone beat 50 girls in my category.

“I cannot thank my coach Anne enough, she has done everything in her power to support me in my huge goals as an athlete and makes sure I am getting the best training possible – It really shows that if you put in the effort you get the results and this is just the start for me.”