A young weight-lifter has been nominated for her local and national achievements in the sport.

Fifteen-year-old Amber Chehraz has been nominated for the sporting achievement award by her coach Martin Marshall who has been impressed with her progress since last year.

Amber has made amazing progress since joined the Merton Weightlifting Club in April last year, and is currently able to lift a barbell loaded with staggering 93.6lbs worth of weight.

She has competed in both local and national competitions in which she performed incredibly well according to the coaching team.

Amber also took part in The Golden Chance initiative by British Weightlifting, which was looking to find young female talent for future Olympic Games.

Through this she has been asked to attend a special invitation only competition, and national training camps.

Amber, a pupil at Wimbledon High School, successfully balances her four hours of weekly training and her studies.

Mr Marshall, one of the voluntary coaches at the club, is proud of her maturity. He is confident that the club has helped with her work ethic and her confidence.

He said: "She’s always had a brilliant work ethic.

"Her attitude to study is mirrored in her attitude to weightlifting."

He added: "She was a shy person, and it was difficult getting her to join the club. "But she’s got an air of confidence about her now; she’s a totally different person."

There is still time to nominate someone special.

Nominate them here at www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/mertoncivicawards or fill out a form in the Wimbledon Guardian newspaper.