DENHOLME weightlifter Rebekah Tiler is tonight competing in the World Championships in the United States.

The 16-year-old European youth champion has been placed in the same Category A section in the women's 63kg category as her Great Britain team-mate Zoe Smith.

Calderdale College student Rebekah was hoping for a top-ten finish in Houston and Leeds-based British Weight Lifting's chief executive officer Ashley Metcalfe said: “To have two British athletes qualify for the same top-ranked category in what will be one of the biggest World Championships to date is a fantastic achievement and testament to the form of both Zoe and Rebekah heading into the competition.

“At just 16, Rebekah will undoubtedly gain fantastic experience from lifting alongside the best in the world, boosted by the rivalry with team-mate Zoe.

"All our athletes have trained fastidiously in advance of the Championships and we go into the event with hopes of fantastic performances across the seven-strong team.”

Before she flew out stateside, Rebekah wrote on Facebook: "I hope to lift to my best and break my new records and come in the top ten – that would be amazing.

"I cannot wait, I'm so excited and my training is going well. All thanks to UK Sport and Sport England, my parents, Herbalife and friend Ian (Hewitt, butcher) for his support and Linda (Allen, personal trainer) for Monday and Thursday mornings and, of course all my friends.

"Thank you. x."