Smith raises the bar

With his jump of 2.24 metres — a personal best for the southsider — he was placed second in the high jump competition and helped the Commonwealth claim victory in the match.

At the Emirates athletics arena event, Smith broke Allan Smith’s 2.23 metre set at the same event last year.

The mammoth leap was another at Commonwealth games qualifying height, placing David at the top of UK senior rankings.

The 22-year-old, who is in the Commonwealth Games squad, also set a Giffnock North AAC club record in the process.

David had missed out on selection for Scotland team when the squad was pre-selected using last year’s performances, a time when David was only just returning from injury.

His coach at Giffnock, Ken Allan, told ExtraSport: “Remember only one year ago David was learning to walk with his foot encased in a protective boot .

“This followed a serious operation on December 31 2012 to insert a pin and bolts to join up his fractured metatarsal.

“It was his resolute approach to following a strict rehab programme that got him through this set-back and back to competition.

“There is an awful lot of work to be done yet for David but sometimes it is good to take a time out.”

David more than made up for his exclusion by beating the Scotland athlete, Allan Smith (2.20m),as well as Olympic bronze medallist Robbie Grabbarz (2.24m).

The trio are now training partners under the guidance of Great Britain senior coach Fuzz Ahmed in Birmingham.

David had to concede victory to Erik Kynard, Olympic Silver medallist from the USA though who was in sparkling form throughout and eventually cleared 2.33m to win comfortably.

Ken continued: “David competed in his well-used Yellow and Blue Giffnock North AAC Club vest.

“This was surely a proud moment for the club to see this displayed and commented on so clearly not only in the venue itself but across national TV via the BBC Coverage.

“He quickly became a popular target for autograph and photograph hunters, something we hope he will have to get more used to.”

Earlier this month the young star earned a bronze medal in the Midland Counties Open in Birmingham with a 2.19m jump.

David’s next target is the Scottish indoor championship on Sunday, also at the Emirates.

Giffnock North spokesman Billy Glasgow said: “We are all behind him, supporting him all the way. He is and always has been a great model for all the juniors within the club.

“It has been great to see him perform so well. We wish him every success.”