Hynd will be the red-hot favourite for the S8 400m freestyle title in the Far East after a stunning 2008 campaign that has seen him smash the world record at the Paralympic World Cup and German Open Disability Championships.

But the Ashfield School pupil won’t have it all his own way this summer with multiple world record holder and home favourite Wang Xiaofu a huge threat – when he decides to turn up.

And despite Hynd only celebrating his 17th birthday last week (3rd July), Woods – who won a total of 12 medals at five Paralympics – is adamant he can silence the home support in September.

“My favourite of the younger generation is Sam Hynd. He stands out for me as one of the potential stars,” said Woods.

“Sam has got a brilliant attitude and is incredibly focused and driven. He has also got such a mature head on his young shoulders, trains hard and knows he can’t afford to rest even though he is currently the No.1 in the world.

“He will be up against it in China as Wang is one of the enigmas of the sport. He is a phenomenal talent but didn’t even try at the PWC and despite swimming at some major events Sam will know he has more to come.

“But Sam can handle that. He is happy to take advice from people and listens to what they say and I’m confident he will be fully prepared when the Games begin.”

Hynd’s list of achievements this year stretch beyond the 400m freestyle with a new European 200m individual medley record as well as 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle British bests in his locker.

But Woods believes the Nova Centurion star needs to forget his past successes and focus on the here and now when he lands in Beijing.

“If I could offer some advice I would tell him to remain 100 per cent focused and not get distracted by his surroundings,” added Woods.

“It’s his first Paralympics and that will be difficult but it is vital if he is to produce the goods. He needs to treat it like another training camp.

“I would also tell him not to rely on the past. The past is the past and whatever times people have swam in the past they count for nothing and you can’t take anything for granted.”

The Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative supports Britain’s young sporting hopefuls on their journey to London 2012. For more information please visit www.lloydstsblondon2012.co.uk/Local_Heroes.