Shooter Sarah Gray this week reflected on a whirlwind few months that has left her vowing to work even harder to achieve more success.

A fourth place in the Olympic Skeet event in her Commonwealth Games debut at Carnoustie, was followed by achieving a personal best score to help Great Britain win team gold in the World Championships at Granada in Spain last week.

It has also proved a busy time away from the sport, following her decision to close down her country casual clothing business in Headcorn, near Maidstone, and start a new job this week as a finance assistant at a firm in Sutton Valence.

Gray said: “It has been a real struggle to balance everything with my shooting commitments, so I took advantage of a break in the lease, rather than commit for another five years. I hope it means things will be more flexible.”

The 27-year-old from Woodchurch added: “It has been a bit of a whirlwind for me – earlier this year I was just hoping to be part of the British team and it has taken me to a whole new level. It has given me a lot of confidence to work even harder and get down to the range even more."

She added: “I still can’t believe we won a gold medal in Spain. I was looking to hit 70 at the start but made a bit of a slow start and was pleased to shoot 68.

“I was told that might leave us in with a chance of winning and an hour later the news was confirmed.”

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENTISH EXPRESS