SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. (WDRB)-- A Shepherdsville man was recently crowned World Field Archery Champion. Franks Smith won the title last month in Wagga Wagga, Australia. 

Frank Smith is no stranger to competition.

"I was a state representative for seven years under three  governors," he said.

But it's his life long love of archery that's shot him into the biggest arena of his life. This marks his third act in life. He spent years working at General Electric before moving into politics. His bow and arrow always kept him on target.

"When you retire, you don't retire from something. You retire to something and I've always loved the out doors," said Smith.

Since he started competing on the national level in 2012, he's won seven US titles. His most recent win lead to an invitation to be on Team USA to compete at the world championships in Wagga Wagga, Australia in September.

"Anytime you can represent your country in a world competition it's humbling and you're a winner before you go because how many opportunities do you get to represent your country," said Smith.

Smith traveled more than 10,000 miles for the five day competition.

"Archery is much more of a participation sport than a spectator sport but it's a lot of fun," he said.

During the competition, a problem with his bow threatened to throw him off target.

"I dropped about 13 points and could just see my gold medal going out the window. And the whole world goes past you," said Smith.

Through it all he kept his eye on the prize and repeated the steps that help him hit the bulls-eye.

"Open my stance, soft hand, full draw, stay against the wall, aim, fallow through, touch your shoulder. And that's what goes through my mind. Otherwise you'll get yourself in a tangent."

He's now a gold medal winner at nearly 70 years old and he hopes his win acts as inspiration for others.

"It just shows we're living longer and you can be competitive and at my age being a world champion is stimulating and be a good role model for others," said Smith.

Now that he's won gold, he's got his eye on another world championship. He'll have the chance to defend his title in two years when the championships will be held in South Africa.

"As long as my health is good, I'll be shooting the bow," he said.

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