Nelson-Furnell sets world record ahead of masters championships

Header picture: Facebook/Dawn Nelson-Furnell.

Dawn Nelson-Furnell, 52, beat the recurve master women’s world record for the 72-arrow 60-metre ranking round by 15 points when she scored 662/720 on 3 June 2018 at the MAC Double 720 event in Melbourne, Australia.

The former world best of 647 was set by Germany’s Elke Heins in June 2016.

“I was surprised to learn that I was within reach of the record as, while I was in a good rhythm and shooting well there were some poorer shots which I thought could be improved,” said Dawn.

Despite having shot recent scores over the former record a few times, the Australian archer hadn’t done so at an event recognised for world record ratification.

“I was elated and shaking with excitement by the end. I am extremely happy with the score and the record, partly because it seemed comfortable and, if anything, I feel I can do even better,” said Dawn.

A national champion in Australia aged 18, Dawn gave up the sport to start a family before picking up a bow again in 2006. She represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010 and still shoots with her father, who got her into the sport when she was 13, and a 10-year-old granddaughter, Ellie.

Dawn will compete at the first World Archery Masters Championships, an open entry tournament for archers aged 40 years and over, at the World Archery Excellence Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland on 14-18 August 2018.

“I will be doing my best to equal or improve on this result, but most importantly want to enjoy the experience and just relax and shoot my best at this will bring the best scores,” she said.

“I feel that I am still shooting as well as I ever have, if not better. I’m still breaking state and national records and, given the opportunity, would like to compete again at an international level.”

Dawn will compete in all the disciplines – indoor, outdoor and field – in Lausanne.

The first World Archery Masters Championships will take place on 14-18 August 2018 in Lausanne, Switzerland.