A DEAF man is aiming to be a world champion in the shot put and discus.

Dave Blackwell of Walnut Way, Swanley took part in the first ever World Deaf Athletics Championships.

The tournament took place in Turkey in September.

The 31-year-old represented Great Britain in the discus and shot put event, in which the team picked up three bronze medals.

He is now hoping to take part in the Deaflympics, which will take place in Taipei next September.

He said: “It was a fantastic feeling competing with thousands of top athletes.

“I’ve taken part in national competitions before, but this was special because it was the first world championships.”

“I was up against people who were a lot more experienced.

“I’ve only been doing shot put and discus for about a year.

“There is still a long way to go before I’ll be ready to compete in the Deaflympics, but when I do I’ll be going for gold.”

The Deaflympics is a separate event to the Paralympics and takes place every four years.

Deaf athletes from around the world can compete in the international event, which includes all types of sport.

Mr Blackwell said: “I find inclusion in international sporting events a very exciting occurrence.

“Mixing with international athletes is a really good experience, with sign language being a universal language you can really get to know people. ”

Mr Blackwell has been working as a electro biomedical engineer at Darent Valley Hospital for the last four years.

In his spare time he trains with the Dartford Harriers Athletics Club, at least twice a week.

His coach at the club has a history of working with disabled athletes.

He said: “My coach is very supportive and understanding of my situation.

“He helps me work on my balance as this is something that I have problems with, as I suffer from very bad tinnitus.”

Mr Blackwell says that is other hobby is weightlifting, which he has been doing for over 10 years.

He has been deaf since the age of 7 and relies on lip reading to communicate with people.

He said: “Being deaf has never stopped me from pursuing the things that I want to do, both professionally and personally.

“Obviously there are more obstacles, but I see them as a challenge and I always find a way round them.

“Over the years there’s been a few cases of discrimination in the work place, but I’m happy where I am now.

“I have a supportive manager and I enjoy my job. ”