Barnes was tipped for a successful career in the sport when he won the bronze medal at the 2003 World Championships in New York City at the age of 17.

He also competed at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

But he decided to quit at the age of 21 after the 2007 World Championships in Leipzig to "live the normal life of a teenager".

Barnes has since married, had children and set up a successful fitness equipment business.

The 32-year-old always claimed he would return to the sport but has waited until the event in Germany's capital to represent his country at the elite level once again.

"[Archery is] something I always said I would come back to," said Barnes. 

"I had a bit of a light bulb moment when I realised I was 31 or 32 and it was my time to have my crack again.

"The initial feeling and reasonable scores came back pretty quickly, but I’m not at the level that I was and feel like I’m a long way from that.

"There’s a long road ahead of me but I’m excited for the journey."

The competition in Berlin offers archers across the recurve and compound disciplines their last chance to qualify for the World Cup final in Samsun in Turkey.

A total of 383 athletes are due to participate, with action taking place at Maifield, close to the Olympic Stadium, and Anhalterplatz.

The event, due to conclude on Sunday (July 22), is scheduled to get underway Compound and recurve qualification tomorrow.