Ms Bateman, 21, recently secured a national record at the Australian Junior Powerlifting Championship in Melbourne.

The Hill Top athlete tasted success in her first major competition, breaking the Australian junior (under-23s) bench press record in the under-57kg class.

Weighing in at 56.5kg, Ms Bateman bench pressed an impressive 74.5kg to take top spot.

Ms Bateman also recorded personal bests in her deadlift (137.5kg) and squat (100kg) categories.

The Highlander said she was "extremely proud" to set an Australian record.

"I knew I could do it and I could have lifted heavier," Ms Bateman said.

"I was pumped up and it was such a relief."

The achievement came just 12 months after Ms Bateman was involved in a motor vehicle crash, which left her with an extensive list of injuries.

She tore four ligaments in her knee, damaged the meniscus in her knee, shattered her tibia and fibia, and tore her thigh muscle.

It was a long road to recovery for Ms Bateman, but she returned to the gym in early 2015.

Ms Bateman, a member of Plus 24/7 Fitness Mittagong, decided to try powerlifting about six months ago.

She started training under coach Thomas Willoughby and undertook her first competition in July, the Top Lifter 3 in Sydney.

Ms Bateman finished with 67.5kg bench, 130kg deadlift and 90kg squat personal best lifts at that competition.

She said she "loved powerlifting".

"I had never done it before my accident," Ms Bateman said.

"I now love everything about it - I feel strong, it's an awesome feeling."

Mr Willoughby said Ms Bateman had shown a lot of potential in the sport.

"Megan works and studies full time, as well as trains full time - I've never seen that before," he said.

"Her attitude, dedication and commitment to her training is something to be desired."