Despite finishing just outside the medal positions, Brand admits she is delighted with her overall performance, and takes great pride in her display.

She told SportScene: “I am delighted with fourth place and that was the plan all along. The top three ladies all have 20 years plus international lifting experience on myself.

“You can always reflect and say there are things you can improve on, however it comes down to that moment in time. My squat and deadlift took big jumps from second to third lifts to go for personal bests as we had already secured fourth place, it didn’t happen on the day but it will another day.

“I felt strong going into it, however by time it got to deadlifting I was drained and the altitude made deadlifting particularly tough — but I’m delighted with my PB bench of 112.5 kg.” Flying out to the USA has its own cost, never mind the countless hours Michelle has spent in the gym preparing for the competition.

The majority of the cost has been self-funded/fundraised thanks to sponsors.

The fourth place finished has been the highlight of a solid year for Michelle, and she admits it is a result she hopes to build upon.

Brand added: “Apart from successfully applying for and being granted £250 from WDC Sports Council the trip was all self funded/fund raised.

“It has been a mixed year. I have not hit the numbers I’ve planned for, however how can you be disappointed with winning British Open, retaining my British Masters title and winning my first European title just four years after starting to compete.

“I’ve got a quick turnaround when I get home on the October 5 to compete for Scotland this time in the GBPF 4 Nations down in Ashington, England on October 24 and then again on November 14 up in Dundee at the Scottish Masters.

“Also looking forward to next year’s British which is looking like being a lot earlier next year around end February.” Brand has also been nominated for the upcoming West Dunbartonshire Community Sports Awards, something she admits she was shocked to hear, adding: ”I was shocked and very honoured to have been nominated. It’s a great personal achievement but more than that it’s fabulous to see powerlifting given some recognition and also women in strength sports, so I’m truly delighted.

“Thanks again to my employer — City of Glasgow College for the support they and my colleagues give me and WDC Sports Council as well as all who contributed to my GoFund Me account.”