athletics A PEMBROKE Dock-born triple jumper has claimed a British crown 23 years after winning his first senior title.

David Richards leapt his way to the Indoor Masters title with a jump of 12m 37cm. The elusive title completes an impressive set of honours for the IT Projects Officer, who started off his sporting career representing both county and Dyfed Schools.

David, a former pupil at Lamphey and Pembroke Comprehensive Schools, also played football for Lamphey, Monkton Swifts and Pembroke Boro, before joining Haverfordwest-based Cleddau AC in 1980.

David, who lives with his wife and two daughters just outside Gloucester, won his first senior title in 1982 in Brecon, doing a double of Welsh Inter-Counties 400m hurdles and triple jump. He went on to win the west Wales and mid Wales titles at triple jump and long jump.

His performances attracted interest from Welsh selectors and he was invited to train with the likes of Colin Jackson and Nigel Walker.

After winning his first Welsh vest in 1985, the father of two, went on to jump for various clubs, and by the end of the 2004 season, he had won eight Welsh titles, three Midland titles, represented Wales and Great Britain and was runner-up on five occasions at the British Championships.

"I still compete at senior level for my club in the Midlands Area League and have been Gloucestershire County Champion for the past two years at triple jump," said David.

"I aim to continue competing as long as my body allows and improve my over-40 best of 12m 69cm in the triple jump and 6m 19cm in the long jump."