A FALMOUTH woman has become the new champion of ladies' compound archery after victory at the recent Devon and Cornwall Archery Society 41st Open Indoor Championships.

Collette O’Shea, aged 31, took up the sport four years ago and was the first woman in the UK to complete the International Bow Hunters education programme, giving her a spot in the archery hall of fame even before her recent victory.

“I was ecstatic to find out I had won,” said Collette. “There was such stiff competition including a three-time champion. My family and friends are very pleased with my achievement.”

"Special thanks too to Mr O'Shea for being my coach and Silver Archery for technical advice."

On the day, Collette, who competes for Redruth Archers, was shooting at a distance of 18 metres and aiming for a target 40cm wide, which is the smallest officially recognised target, making her victory all the more impressive.

Other Redruth Archers also competed, including Fabricio Carlotta, who finished third.

During her time at Truro and Penwith College, Collette studied an FdSc in Exercise Health and Fitness, which helped her a lot with training for competitions.

She added: "A misconception I had when I first started archery was that it's important to have strong arms, however the focus of strength training for archery ought to be the back, core and arms.

“I have utilised a range of sports psychology techniques that I learned from Mike Vanes, such as visualisation before the competition. I have also learned about 'iron mind' techniques, which snipers implement to increase their accuracy and it sure works for me.”