Cupid's Golden Arrow

By Raia Flinos Photos Yanni

Dawn Nelson-Furnell OAM first picked up a bow at 12 years old, following her father’s footsteps into the world of archery. Back then, she was unaware of the legacy she would leave on the sport. She was a national champion as a teenager and has represented Australia on the world stage multiple times. Archery has remained a lifelong companion for Dawn, and is also the reason she met her husband, Peter.

The Crib Point couple first met at the 2007 Australian Masters Games when they were competing in the Clout archery event. They both went on to win gold. Dawn and Peter remained good friends until 2009, when Peter was headhunted for work and moved to Victoria. “We just clicked,” Dawn said. Since then, Peter has been there for Dawn at every major milestone in her career. “He’s been my backbone, he’s been my coach, he’s been my confidante,” Dawn said. “He’s always been there to help and support me.”

From competing at national and world championships to travelling the world together for archery, their shared passion has strengthened their relationship. Dawn’s achievements as a national-level athlete have taken her to the Commonwealth Games and Olympic squads and she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to archery.

Dawn and Peter are now preparing to compete in their 10th Masters Games, which will take place in Canberra in October. “We haven’t missed one since we met,” Dawn said.

Their bond, which was built on mutual interests, friendship, and a deep-rooted love for archery, has only strengthened over time. “We help each other motivate, steady and talk through problems and pressures. I’ve supported Dawn as a coach and spectator in many important competitions and have also competed side-by-side with her,” Peter said.

They also own a business together, doing risk assessments for level crossings. Dawn says she and Peter don’t tire of each other, despite spending almost all their time together. “I think you’ve got to be good friends, you know, always have the banter there, and date nights, and always have that respect for each other,” she said.

Archery has remained at the forefront of their relationship over the years, and they now run an archery club together, Angel Archers, in Balnarring, where they coach all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Dawn is extremely accomplished in the sport and has competed nationally in the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

She ‘retired’ from archery when she had her daughter in 1984 but decided to return to the sport in 2006 and came back better than ever. In 2018, she beat the world record in the 72-arrow 60-metre ranking round, when she scored 662/720; a record which she still holds to this day. “In archery, you have to win your way to the top. So, if you are dedicated and put it all out there, then you’ll get there,” Dawn said.

Dawn credits archery with changing her life, connecting her with amazing people, and providing memories for her and her family. “Sport has given us so many opportunities, not just in competition but in life,” she said. “We’ve travelled, met amazing people, and grown together in ways we never imagined.”

For Dawn and Peter, archery is not just a sport but a bond between generations. “There were four generations of ours that were shooting all at once,” she said. “It’s great to have a sport where you can actually shoot with family members rather than sitting on the sidelines and cheering.”

Sport has given us so many opportunities, not just in competition but in life

Dawn encourages everyone to give archery a try: “It’s for all ages, you know. I say we coach from eight to eighty-eight.”

Despite a few setbacks over the past few years due to a tear in her shoulder, Dawn has learned to work around her injury and says this Masters Games feels different. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “This year is really starting to feel like I’m over that bump and back into being competitive.”

As the 20th Australian Masters Games fast approaches, Dawn and Peter are prepared to give their all and bring home the gold, adding to their collection.FB: @angelarchers