THE strongest woman in the world has claimed another title in her plight to inspire the next generation of female sportswomen.

Donna Moore, 37, of Colburn near Catterick, has returned home after winning the second annual Arnold Pro Strongwoman Contest at the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival.

The mother-of-two came away with the prestigious Sandwina trophy, a cheque for $5,000 and an automatic invite to next year’s competition.

To take the title she defeated defending champion Liefia Ingalls of California over the five events in Columbus, Ohio.

Ms Moore claimed first place in the thumb flip and deadlift, tied for second in the maximum log lift and finished fourth in the Hercules hold.

She holds the world record for the atlas stones, and at this event she was the only competitor to lift the 324lb stone over the bar, which she managed twice.

She said: “It was a fantastic experience in Columbus. To win the World’s Strongest Woman competition and the Arnold Pro Strongwoman is the fulfilment of a personal goal.

“I hope it is the start of many female displays of strength at this event.”

In December, Ms Moore claimed the World’s Strongest Woman title in North Carolina for the second year running.

She has been crowned Britain’s Strongest Woman and England’s Strongest Woman on two occasions.

She wants her achievements to empower women and encourage others to take up the sport.

“It's the first time women have been featured in this event,” said Ms Moore. “To be selected to be on stage with three other awesome strong ladies to showcase our sport and strength was the best feeling.

“Here the same prize money was paid for the women as it was for the men. Usually it's less than five per cent or nothing.

“This was an important event for me as it was an opportunity to have women featured on the main stage and show how strong we can be.”

After a quick succession of competitions, Ms Moore hopes to take a rest and spend time with her family.

She added: “I have qualified for all the competitions I need to, so I have the chance to work on my weaknesses and build on them to be ready to compete later in the year.”

Follow her sporting journey on Twitter @Donnamoore05D