The athlete, part of the Colombian compound squad that secured the bronze medal at last year's World Games in Cali, finished second to South Korea's Choi Bomin at the World Cup competition in Shanghai last month but managed a clean 150 in her semi-final match the previous day, which was also her 19th birthday.

"It think today was my best birthday ever," López said after her perfect score.

She first competed for her national team just last year and said that her career and those of her teammates are "like a dream come true".

"We are just beginners," López said.

"We have only been shooting for five or six years.

"It is amazing how we became some of the best archers in the world."

She said she is now looking ahead to the next stage of the World Cups events, including this month's tournament on home turf in Medellín, where she will be aiming for gold.

"My family is coming to Medellín," López added.

"I've always had a great time in my favourite Colombian city."

The competition in Medellín is due to get underway on May 13 and continue until May 18.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]