A WEE COUNTY kettlebell lifter came back from a world championship triumphant – bringing gold medals home to Alloa.

Lucy McCappin was first introduced to the weights around four years ago when she was looking for a way to improve her fitness.

She was searching for something that would work around the schedule of her young children.

The 54-year-old soon found the world of competitive kettlebell lifting and has taken part in a range of events – travelling across the UK, along with trips to Ireland, Italy and Greece.

Lucy credits the weights with giving her a focus and enjoys how it comes together to give a full workout of cardio, strength and technical ability.

She is not only motivated by competing in events, but by striving to be better and said it is also about "beating your own lifting".

Most recently, she took on the world championship from The World Kettlebell Sports Federation (WKSF) in Italy from Thursday, June 21 to Sunday, June 24.

She said: "Milan was absolutely fantastic, totally awesome experience. So organised, and so professional, and very very good – amazing."

Lucy, who is a teacher at Park Primary School, where pupils and staff have offered great support, netted silver last year so was "totally focused" on getting the gold.

On the opening day of lifting, she competed in the Veterans 2x12kg Long Cycle event in scorching 30 degree temperatures.

She completed 112 lifts in 10 minutes to gain a gold medal.

Then, returning to the venue the following day, she took part in the challenging Biathlon event.

She lifted 2x12kg kettlebells 126 times in double jerk, followed by 212 snatch – different kettlebell lifts – to take the gold medal again.

Lucy, who is coached by master of sports, international class lifter and coach Caroline Dougal, at Focus Kettlebells, was among other Clacks competitors to net wins.

Scotland sent a strong team with a record size squad, who achieved a record number of medals and a record number of world champions.

The squad are looking to build on this year's success, compete in the European championships in Latvia in the autumn and next year's 2019 championships in Ireland.

Lucy would like to thank IKM consulting for assisting with travel expenses and generous friends and family for assisting with entry fees and said without such support competing at this level would not be possible.