DAN Rivers admitted 2014 was a year he will never forget, writes MARK EDWARDS.

The 23-year-old was hoping for a decent showing in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, but his success there, and what has followed, has really taken him by surprise.

The Didcot shooter won a gold and bronze medal in Scotland, but being named Sportsman of the Year capped what has already been a sensational 12 months.

“It’s been an amazing year for me,” he said.

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“From where I have come from to where I am now is unbelievable.”

Rivers saw off cricketer Jack Brooks and fellow Didcot resident Ben Watson to land the award, but had nothing but praise for his rivals – especially Watson, who also won a bronze medal in Glasgow.

“With Ben here too, it’s great,” he commented.

“In the Commonwealth Games Didcot were above a lot of countries in the medal table.”

Rivers was delighted that shooting has got more exposure as a result of his success, but his attention is now focused on trying to secure a place in the Great Britain team who will go to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics.

“It’s a smaller sport and hasn’t got the following that others have, but anyone can do it,” he said.

“I didn’t realise how much attention it would get – my grandparents have all my cuttings from the Oxford Mail and interviews on the radio.

“This is the pinnacle at the moment, but I have a serious goal of going for Rio in 2016 so hopefully things can get even better.”

He added: “It’s an amazing honour. The prestige of the award is so great and it is a real honour to have won this.”

But Rivers was unable to properly celebrate his success.

He was due in work early the morning after the awards, before leaving just after lunchtime in order to compete in a competition at Bisley.

However, he was going to be brought back to earth with a bang on Sunday, with girlfriend Vicky Campbell insisting they went Christmas shopping.

  • GALLERY: Photos from the Oxfordshire Sports Awards

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