OKEHAMPTON College has got its first national sporting champion in 25 years — the dream that 17-year-old shot-putter David Dawson has been chasing for three years has finally happened.

David threw 15m 28cm to take the gold medal at the English Schools Athletic Association Games at Exeter Arena last weekend, the ultimate accolade for the hardworking youngster who is already the Devon and South West schools shot-put champion.

But just two weeks ago David was in bandages from an ankle injury and there were doubts he would take part at all.

A bronze medallist in the year 2000 and a sixth placing the year before, David has made it third time lucky but the win is all the more special as it was the shot-putter's first year in the senior section.

'I did not think I could win it, especially with the injury and moving up to the senior section where the competition is tougher,' he said. 'This is absolutely the best feeling ever and it's great because now everyone knows the hard work and training was all for something.'

The gold medal win is perfect timing for David, whose aim now is to get into a sports university like Loughborough or Bath.

'Whatever steps I take now will shape my future and the next thing for me is to get a coach,' he said.

David, who is currently studying A-levels, already holds the national shot-putting record for his age group at 15m 42cm and has proved an inspiration to his generation.

Head of PE at Okehampton College Ian Radnor said David was a shining example to all the other pupils.

'David is a wonderful kid — he is obviously an inspiration but he is very modest about it,' he said.

Mr Radnor said the country was crying out for a new shot-putting champion just as much as a tennis champion.

'There has been no-one since Geoff Capes over ten years ago so we really need some new talent,' he said. 'David is not quite big enough yet but he is still growing.'

The teacher added that in terms of athletics the college was making great strides and what it needed now was a dedicated athletics track.

'We have not had a national champion for 25 years — javelin thrower Peter Yates was the last one in 1976 so we are just delighted,' he said. 'Students Amy Stephens and Jemma Collier are also doing well in the hurdles.