David Steen, Sr. was the first Canadian to shot put over 60 feet. He captured three Commonwealth Games medals, gold in 1966 and 1970 and bronze in 1962. Steen was a member of Canada’s national track and field team for eight years moving the national shot put record from 52 feet one inch to 63 feet and a 1/4 inch.

He was also a member of the powerful University of Oregon track team finishing second in the 1963 NCAA championships. Steen was ranked seventh in world that year with a throw of 61 feet 11 l/4 inches. He also held Canadian age class records during his high school days at Burnaby South Senior Secondary.