Just watch Rebekah lift in 2020, says her butcher

Ian Hewitt joined family and friends of the 17-year-old at her gym in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, as they cheered her on in the women’s 69kg event at the Rio Olympics.

There were screams, cheers and hugs as Rebekah totalled 227kg in her snatch and clean-and-jerk combined.

Mr Hewitt said: “She’s an absolutely fabulous young lady. I would like people to realise she’s 17 years old. She’s only a girl.

“She is phenomenal - the strength and the power that she has for such a young person is unbelievable.

“And, believe you me, for the next Olympic Games watch this spot. She has the potential to be the world record holder and most definitely win the gold medal.”

The butcher explained how he has been supplying Rebekah with free meat for about two years, convinced she has the potential to be the best in the world.

Mr Hewitt said she eats about four times the steak and chicken an average person will get through.

On the front row of her supporters at the Crossfit Boudicca gym was mother Emma Tiler and sisters Sophie, 13, Lisa, 11, and Emily, seven.

All three of Rebekah’s sisters are training to follow in her footsteps.

Mrs Tiler said: “She did really well - just one off a PB (personal best) in both the snatch and the clean-and-jerk.

“I’m just unbelievably proud of what she’s done - so close to your PBs at an Olympic Games with all that pressure when you’re the only one representing your country in that competition - it’s unbelievable.

“We weren’t thinking medals anyway. We were thinking more top eight.”

The family, who live near Bradford, said they were also pleased how confident and relaxed Rebekah looked.

Her mother said: “She has always got a smile on her face.”

She said her daughter will fly back later this month and is hoping to spend the next week or so soaking up the Olympic atmosphere in Rio.

Rebekah, who was in second place after her group completed their lifts, eventually finished in 10th place.