DOMINIC King has his sights set on Rio.

The Colchester race walker is preparing to earn his place in next year’s Olympic Games and now knows what he must do to book his place on the plane.

Earlier in the year, King became the third quickest British man ever over the 50 kilometre race walking distance when setting a time of three hours 59 minutes 22 seconds at the German National Championships in Andenach.

It was enough for the Colchester Harriers ace to claim seventh spot in the event and was a big personal best (PB) for the 32-year-old former St Helena School pupil.

But it was well within the 4h 2m time set by British Athletics for racers to qualify for the Rio Olympics next summer.

Now King knows that he must take one more step on the road to Rio in a qualifying event next year.

King said: “I have to compete in a 50km qualifying race in Dudince, Slovakia, on March 19.

“To qualify for the games I have to finish the race as one of the top two British competitors.

“It is a bit like the event British Athletics held in the summer for the other athletes.

“I was told last week that was what is needed.

“I already have the qualification time so I have to make sure I finish in the top two.

“It’s a quite technical sport so its not just a foregone conclusion, and hopefully, fingers crossed I will be confident in my technique and I will be at Rio.

“From now on everything is focused on continually getting fitter, faster and stronger.

“I will be pushing my fitness so that I will be ready for March.”

King’s achievements were also honoured at the Sport Colchester 2015 Sport Personailty Awards at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Monday night.

He picked up the Male Sport Personality award at the ceremony at the home of Colchester United.

King said: “It is an amazing honour to be recognised by the sports district council.

“Obviously, there is a lot of talent in Colchester.

“To get the award is an amazing honour and achievement.

“It’s nice to know that all the hard work you put in day in, day out is recognised. Hopefully it is an inspiration to others as well.”