Six years ago today an Ynys Môn woman broke a sporting world record

Ffion Ankers in action back in 2015

Six years ago today an Anglesey woman set a new world record in the sporting arena.

Ffion Ankers recorded a global best in her class at the World Powerlifting Championships in Telford.

Competing in the deadlift, she smashed the European and World record with her fourth lift of 145.5 kg.

Ffion is one of many Ynys Môn athletes to excel at weightlifting, the best known two being Commonwealth Games champions Ray Williams and Gareth Evans.

Four Mile Bridge sensation Ffion, now 26, was 20 when she conquered the world.

She took up powerlifting in 2013 after joining the Holyhead and Anglesey Weightlifting and Fitness Centre (HAWFC).

Ffion with her world trophy – just in view

When she broke the record, Ffion competed in the junior (20 to 23 years) 55.5 kg bodyweight class.

In her first regional competition on February 14, 2015, in Bangor, she set a Welsh deadlift record of 122.5 kg.

Thanks to this she qualified for the British Championships in Stafford where she finished first, also setting a British deadlift record of 130 kg in the process.

This enabled her to move onto the World Championships, which took place on June 12, 13 and 14, 2015, in Telford.

The Anglesey woman took to the stage on June 14, in her specialist deadlift event.

Her opening lift was 120 kg, followed by 130.5 kg, 140 kg, and then she remarkably took the European and World record with that career best 145.5 kg.

That achievement also ensured Ffion finished first and was crowned 2015 Junior World Champion.

The deadlift is a weight training exercise in which a loaded barbell is lifted off the ground to the hips, then lowered back to the ground.

It is one of the three powerlifting exercises, along with the squat and bench press.

Ffion in 2021 – away from the stage

Ffion’s record has never been beaten, so she still remains on top of the world today.

Engaged to Dalton Thorne, the best name for a secret agent ever (even better than James Bond), Ffion still takes part in weightlifting and also loves a few other high-action sports such as surfboarding. At one time, the couple moved to Canada, but returned.

Reporting on Ffion’s achievement in 2015 will always be one of the highlights of my now 34-year career covering sport!