ARCHERY: A TRIP of a life-time down under was made all the more memorable for Rugby archer Iris Bingham after she shot her way to no fewer than four World Crossbow Shooting Association (WCSA) Championship titles in Adelaide.
Bingham joined competitors from across the world including Japan, America and Great Britain for the event which took place in Strathalbyn.
And they Rugby archer came away with four gold medals and three WCSA records to take her world title tally to 36.
After two long days of shooting in the Target competition, Bingham won her first gold medal in the Assisted division which she won by 117 points.
“I was delighted to win despite the tricky wind conditions,” said Bingham, who shoots for the National Crossbow Federation of Great Britain and Rugby Sport for the Disabled.
“Scores for everyone were low on the first day. It was worth all the freezing outdoor training in January, February and early March.”
A second gold medal came on the third day of competition in the Matchplay Championships, which consisted of nine shots at 55-metres with a 60cm target.
In the final for Assisted shooters, Bingham scored 87 out of 90 points to break her World and European record by four points and Sharon Grimston of Australia scored 80.
Bingham then changed into her Judges uniform and assisted with the other individual Matchplay events also the Team Matchplay.
A third world title came in the new Bushland round which consisted of 48 shots in the forest at various size Fita field faces.
And Bingham wrapped up a fourth gold by winning the Forest round, which saw her shoot 48 times at animal pictures scattered around the forest between trees and undergrowth.
“The distances in both rounds, which were between 5m and 60m, were unmarked and difficult to judge so I was pleased with a gold medal in both rounds,” Bingham added.
“It is so difficult to get round the Forest with a wheelchair, although the main paths had been levelled.
“The Championships were exceptionally well organised. It was great to meet up with so many friends again from all over the world and to make new ones too.
“Everyone was so friendly and helpful and I look forward to the 2018 European Championships in Estonia and the 9th World Championships in Germany in 2019.”
