A MUM who began archery training in her Barry back garden just four years ago has become the IFAA World Field Archery Champion.

Teresa Goodwin, 37, made her mark when she competed in the tournament held at Wagga Wagga, near Melbourne, Australia, at the end of September.

Ms Goodwin took up the sport after an activity holiday with her eight-year-old son Daniel

Her partner and fellow Llantwit Major Archers colleague Stephen Harrison, also 37 and from Barry, joined participants down under for their debut world shooting competition.

Ms Goodwin’s outstanding performance came just three short years since her international debut.

After a good finish in round one, she struggled a little in coping with the windy conditions and on day two she returned a lower than expected score.

But she recovered well in the third round to come back with a huge tally beating Germany’s Gaby Wadle into second place to take the gold.

She said: “I can’t believe that I won this year. It was a great experience.

“It's been great over here in Australia. It's been a roller coaster of emotions.

"Everyone had problems with the wind taking their arrows so the scores weren't that good.

"The week was fantastic. I'm just glad I made it and took part in the World Championships - also coming home as World Champion.”

Mr Harrison showed remarkable consistency scoring on par throughout the three rounds, finishing in 7th place.

Welsh coach, Mathew Symmonds said he was proud of the couple.

He said: “They are both very committed archers who have trained very hard for this tournament and they have delivered the goods.”

Ms Goodwin is only the fifth Welsh archer to become a World Champion.