Paralympian targets Commonwealth squad

Double Beijing Paralympic gold medallist Jody Cundy is launching an ambitious bid to be part of England’s 2014 Commonwealth Games team.

Cundy is bidding to follow the precedent set by Sarah Storey, who became the first Para-cyclist to represent England at the Games when she competed in Delhi in 2010. While 33-year-old Cundy admits it is a tough target, he hopes the success of his quest could help to “redefine” the nature of his sport on the back of the success of 2012.

Cundy said: “I have raced in able-bodied competitions before and reaching the Glasgow Commonwealth Games would be such a massive step forward for me that it gives me all the motivation I need.

“I probably have to improve by two and a half seconds over a kilometre to make the squad. It’s a big challenge because there will be a far stronger level of competition than there was for Delhi.

“If I could make the Commonwealth Games squad, it would be a huge achievement and show people what is possible.”

Cundy saw his profile increase enormously after his foul-mouthed rant following disqualification from the C4/5 time-trial before he bounced back to win bronze in the 4km pursuit. But he accepts that while he is not proud of what he calls his “John McEnroe moment”, it served to change perceptions of Paralympic sport, which he believes can only help its future growth.

“Much as it wasn’t my proudest moment, it has definitely helped change the image of the Paralympics and made people aware that we take our sports and our success just as seriously,” added Cundy.