ONLY weeks after injury in a motorcycle crash, powerlifter Jean Maton won gold at the European Masters championships in the Czech Republic.

The accident, about five weeks ago, prevented her competing in the British senior championships and limited her to just three proper training sessions before this competition.

Although not in top form, she won the over-40 82.5kg class with a squat of 155kg, a benchpress of 110kg and a deadlift of 172.5kg for a total of 437.5kg.

Her success helped the British women's team to come away with the best team award, beating the second-placed German team by three points.

The motorbike accident happened in France as she and husband Phil Maton were returning home from holiday.

Each suffered cuts and bruises on their right legs when a car collided into them.

"I faired a bit worse than Phil, as my leg was very badly bruised and swollen," said Jean.

"I was taken by ambulance to the local hospital for x-rays but, luckily, nothing was broken.

"My leg was so painful that I could not put any weight on it for a while and, as we were on our way home, the hospital would not let me have any crutches.

"The ferry people loaned me a wheelchair and, when I returned back to Basingstoke, I was re-x-rayed and given some crutches.

"We had managed to stay on the bike after the collision but toppled off into a verge because the pain was so excruciating.

"I had only started to put weight on my foot when the British championships came around, so I had to give it a miss.

"After a week off work and some physio, I managed about three training sessions.

"Because the European Masters trip was paid for I had to go anyway but I was so glad that I managed to lift - even though I was not at my best.

"I was even more pleased to win the title. I came second last year but was promoted to first as the Ukranian winner tested positive in a drugs test - so I suppose you can say I retained my title."

Maton is now training alone at Basingstoke Sports Centre as other members of Basingstoke Powerlifting Club have moved their base to the QM Sports Centre.

Monday night's gym session was Maton's last before leaving for Norway and the Western European Cup, formerly the EU Cup. Later in the year she will contest the world masters championships in India and she is seeking sponsorship to help make the trip.