Canvey's Dean Macey today stands on the threshold of becoming a medal marvel at the World Athletic Championships.

The former lifeguard, who before the start had even written off his own glory hopes after a lengthy spell out through injury, ended the opening day's five events with 4,546 points - only 36 behind world record holder Tomas Dvorak, of the Czech Republic.

However, the 6ft 5in Canvey giant, who weighs in at fifteen-and-a-half stone, had the 60,000 crowd in Seville purring with delight after a string of personal best performances which saw him in the silver medal position as the second-day's action got underway.

He started with a 10.69sec 100m - knocking 0.21secs off his personal best - and, after a more than useful 7.48m in the long jump, again pulled off a best ever show with 15.14m in the shot.

A high jump of 2.12m followed and his day was complete in the 400m when he powered past an astonished Dvorak in the final 30 metres to win his heat in 46.72mm.

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