DAN Rivers admits 2014 is 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 Oxfordshire’s Sportsman of the Year last Friday capped what has already been a sensational 12 months.

“It’s been an amazing year for me,” he said after receiving the award in a glittering ceremony at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.

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

Rivers saw off cricketer Jack Brooks and fellow Didcot resident, weightlifter 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 newspapers and the 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.”

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 at Bisley.

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

One of the highlights came when it was announced that Sir Roger Bannister, who was not present, had accepted a lifetime achievement award, 60 years after becoming the first to run a sub-four minute mile.