WHILE Jody Cundy was crossing the finish line for his 11th world title, the next generation of Fenland’s Olympic talent was also blazing a golden trail.

Cundy waved to the fans on Saturday after retaining his 1km Time Trial (kilo) title at the UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Los Angeles.

But, at the same time, Wisbech swimmer Liam Knight was also topping the podium at the National de B�thune tournament in France.

The 17-year-old continued his preparations for next month’s Olympic trials by powering past a host of senior French swimmers to take gold in the 50m backstroke and 400m medley and bronze in the 100m backstroke.

Knight said: “I was one of the youngest and I was coming up against absolute giants, who concentrate on sprinting.

“The 100m backstroke is one of my best events but I came third because I had a massive guy right next to me and I just got wave after wave of choppy water.

“It will be like that at the Olympic trials so I have to get used to it.”

The City of Peterborough swimmer will line up against his hero Liam Tancock during the trials at the �268million Olympic Aquatics Centre in London.

Although he is not expected to qualify for this year’s games, the teenage talent said he was determined to represent his country at future Olympics.

“I feel really nervous about the trials but there’s nothing to lose,” he said. “As long as I know I have done my best, I’ll be happy.

“I’m the underdog in races against these guys and I like that. I go out to beat them and put them under pressure but I’m expected to lose. If I don’t, that’s great.

“I find nationals more nerve-wracking because I’m racing against rivals who are my age.

“I want to prove that I’m the one to beat in my age group.”