SWIMMING sensation Todd Cooper is bidding for Commonwealth Games glory but there has been heartache for another Kidderminster sports star.

Cooper, a student at Stirling University, competes for Scotland at the Manchester games which open next Thursday.

But cyclist James Shaw, who had hoped to be involved at the turn of the year, has seen his season dashed by injury and illness.

Cooper will swim the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly events alongside his place in the 4x100m medley relay squad.

His father Gary, of Kidderminster, said: "Todd's burning ambition is to get to a final and anything after that is a bonus.

"In the Commonwealth rankings, he's number seven in the 50m, seven in the 100m and number nine in the 200m."

Cooper, 19, has been sending Scottish records tumbling and finished second in the British Long Course Championships 100m butterfly in April.

He has a wait before taking to the water competitively as the swimming does not start until Tuesday, July 30.

But for U-23 national road race series cycling champion Shaw there has been disappointment.

The 21-year-old had been put onto the World Class Performance Plan and was a contender for the Commonwealth Games team.

Shaw said: "I had big plans for this season but they have all gone.

"I was coming back from an ankle tendon injury and had some sort of virus which I haven't been able to shake off.

"The doctor thought it might even be a brain tumour which was a bit scary but I've had a scan now and it's not.

"If I'd had a perfect year cycling, I would have probably been looking at who's going to the Commonwealths.

"But I cannot get too het up about it. I've got to the point where my health is more important."

Shaw has been ordered to relax and hopes to shine with another of his sporting talents at the National Sailing Championships in Weymouth next month.