The Peterborough para shot put star, 25, finished third in her F12 event to claim a maiden global gong in New Delhi.
Church, a European silver medallist in 2021, threw a distance of 12.60m as Italian Assunta Legnante grabbed gold ahead of China’s Zhao Yuping.
The Cambridgeshire athlete did not expect to be competing at this event after recovering from a back injury this season.
But she booked her place in the Indian capital and now hopes to use the experience as a building block for the Games in three years’ time.
“I’m buzzing – it’s my first medal and I can’t believe it,” she said.
“I just went out there, had fun and I’ve come away with a medal – you can’t ask for much more than that.
“I’ve only done two competitions before this as I was recovering from a back operation – so this was just about enjoying it.
“I was just building up and managed to qualify for this – this was not the goal and I didn’t even expect to be here.
“I’ve come out with a medal so I can’t ask for more than that!
“The goal is LA and throwing big there – we’ve worked really hard and I know there’s a big one there.
“It wasn’t meant to be today but it’s coming.
“You can only live and dream, and we’re doing all the work to make it possible – gold is the target baby!”
Church is one of over 30 British athletes out in the Indian capital, with the team now sponsored by official finance partner Novuna.
Her effort of over 12m was enough to secure a medal and hold off Turkish thrower Serap Demirkapu, who did throw a personal best with her final attempt but fell over a full metre short.
Church finished fourth at the World Championships in Paris two years ago after an eighth-place finish at the Tokyo Paralympics two years earlier.
She’s now finally propelled herself onto the podium and hopes to take crucial confidence heading into the LA 2028 cycle.
“I popped one over 12m – so I was really happy with that,” she added.
“My confidence has shot right up – I always feel most confident when I’m throwing.
“In a competition there’s no stopping me!”
Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna helps millions across the UK – backing British businesses, supporting individuals’ plans, and supporting British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk
