THE Welsh team have just returned from the Commonwealth Games with a record-breaking medal haul, and Pandy couple Michael and Sarah Wixey played a large part in adding to an impressive tally of 10 golds, 12 silvers and 14 bronze.

And they both did it with shotguns!

Tata Steel engineering director Michael came first in the men’s trap shooting to claim Gold, and Primary school teacher Sarah bagged a Bronze in the woman’s trap.

Sarah told the Chronicle, “Being in Australia for the Games was great. This year’s village was superb, the weather was obviously brilliant and everyone was very welcoming.

“Prior to going to the Gold Coast the Wales shooting team were predicted to only get one medal, we came away with five! So much for predictions!”

Since a young age the husband and wife duo have been dedicated to the art of the shootist. You might say having an eagle-eyed vision, a steeliness of nerve, and a steady pair of hands is locked into their DNA.

Sarah’s father John Gibbins competed in trap shooting at national level and, her husband Michael’s father, Kenneth, was also renowned for being sure of shot, steady of nerve and bang on the money when it came to a little shooting.

It was their mutual love of gun sports which brought the Commonwealth couple together.They were both at a training camp in Italy in 2002 when master marksman Cupid captured them both in his sights, took aim, and drew back his bow.

Sarah explained, “Michael and I first met whilst training for a international event. So you could definitely say we’re one husband and wife who definitely bond over a shared interest.”

The pair, who have two young daughters together, are keen to keep the art of trap shooting a family affair, but as Sarah said, “The girls are a bit too young to be handling shotguns at the moment, but it’s definitely something they appear to be interested in.”