CRICKLADE powerlifter Louise Norden is hoping to raise £1500 so she can represent Great Britain at the International Powerlifting Federation World Powerlifting Championships in the United States.

The 25-year-old took up the sport less than a year ago but has attracted the interest of Team GB after she came second in the British Championships last month.

Norden, who originally hails from Gothenburg, Sweden, has lived in Cricklade for the last five years and admits she is surprised at how quickly she is progressing.

“It’s completely different to strongwoman competitions because it is much more strict when it comes to rules and lifting techniques,” said Norden.

“It’s a lot more disciplined. After I did my first competition, I have been hooked on it. I’m very surprised at how well it is going because I have only been powerlifting for just under a year.

“It’s going really well and competition for nine months so far has been amazing.”

After an impressive performance at the British Championships, Norden, who works at the Cricklade Leisure Centre,now has her sights on the World Championships, which will take place in Killeen, Texas, this April.

But in order for her to be able to compete, she will have to find funding to cover her travel, food and accommodation.

“So far, I have received £200 from generous people and I have asked for grants and funds, which I am waiting to hear back from," she said.

“It would be a great opportunity for me because I work for a local charity leisure centre and it would be great for the community.

“To be a part of something really big, and to have someone representing Great Britain in such a small town would be really good.”

In terms of the competition, the 25-year-old is hoping for another podium finish in the Lone Star state as she prepares to compete in the U63kg category with a strict diet and training regime.

“I’m hoping to place in the top three in my category, that is my goal and my dream,” said the 25-year-old. “In January, I was hoping to place in the top three, so I was really pleased that I was able to come second.

“I have weight sessions four times a week, which range from heavy weights to light weights, and then I do a bit of cardio as interval training as well.”