SHATTERING yet another record at the weekend, 16-year-old shot-put talent David Dawson from Okehampton is heading straight for the top in his sport.
David wants to be the best in England and eventually the world and as shotputters do not normally reach their peak until their 30s he has plenty of time to get there.
Throwing a massive 16m 12cm at the Devon Schools' Under 17s Championships in Exeter on Sunday, the teenager broke the record he set last year by 61cm.
But if that was not enough he also won the discus and hammer events.
David was awarded the Police Athletic Association Trophy for overall best performance of the Devon Championships and his record distance at shot-put now rank him at number one in England for his age group.
His latest achievements make him tipped to win gold at the South West Championships in June and from there he will go on to compete in the English Schools event in Sheffield in July — David feels after two attempts at the latter event it could be third time lucky.
'I will be up against the 25 best throwers in the country in my age group but this year I feel very confident about it,' he said.
A dedicated sports fan, David took up the shot-put three years ago after watching his father David senior throw for the army.
'Dad also won his competition at the Devon Championships competing as a veteran and I was really proud of him, added the youngster.
'There is a little bit of rivalry between us and I recently beat him for the first time when we took part in the Southern Men's League.'
The Okehampton College pupil had planned to follow in the footsteps of his father and join the army but hearing difficulties have meant this will not be possible.
When his studies are finished David plans to make athletics his number one priority.
'If I win gold at the English Schools competition I will be invited to go to the Bath University of Sport,' he said. 'My ultimate ambition is to represent England and hopefully go on to the Olympics.'
The student plays rugby, basketball and football but the shot is by far his favourite sport: 'I like the competition especially when it is really close,' he said. 'It is a very powerful event and you have to be strong.'
David is very appreciative of Okehampton College which has funded trials and athletic camps.
'The teachers really want me to do well,' he said. 'Lots of them have been coming up to me and congratulating me since Sunday.'
David Dawson senior said he was very proud of his son: 'He is dedicated to becoming the best and to me he is simply the best.'