Super Sarah beats injury to win title

Sarah shows off her lean physique at the contest

ATHLETE Sarah Donohue has walked away with a stateside prize from one of the world’s toughest competitions.

Battling to overcome injury, the powerboat champion from Delph was the UK’s only competitor in the Women’s Tri-Fitness event held in Florida.

Mixing the glamorous world of pageants with physically demanding challenges, Sarah (39) came first place in the International Fitness Championship and second in the Grace and Physique Class.

The delighted winner said: “Coming back after a two-year break and winning is incredible.

“I was happy just to be able to compete, I didn’t think I’d get a medal, or two.

“I’ve had many setbacks but if I can do it, I’m sure there are more women out there that can also do it.”

The win was the culmination of a two-year struggle to overcome a severe hamstring injury she suffered while starring in the BBC assault course show “Celebrity Total Wipeout”.

It stopped her training routine in its tracks and forced her into a period of rehabilitation.

However, the lingerie model-come-athlete is back and, she says, she feels better than ever.

The action girl’s trainer, ex-military man Mark Jarvis, said: “It’s my job to make sure she cannot fail. And she didn’t. She has been out of competition and in rehabilitation for two years.

“To go to America and go up against some of the best athletes in the world and compete with a strength deficit in her hamstring which only has 70 per cent of its original strength is unbelievable.”

Al Rosen, organiser of the American event said: “It’s great to have Sarah back, she adds colour to the show and is one of our elite athletes.”