MUM-OF-TWO Margie Knight admits she is nervous and excited ahead of her trip to Austria for the European Championships this weekend.

Knight took up running after giving birth to her two daughters, Millie and Sophie but then turned her attention to triathlon and the 48-year-old, who described herself as a weak swimmer, has surprised herself as that is now her strongest discipline.

“We were living in Cornwall at the time and triathlon was quite big so I did a surf triathlon and now swimming is my best discipline,” said Knight, who is part of the Flying Monk Triathlon Club.

“Having taught myself to swim to get myself into the sport in the first place and then I moved to Malmesbury.

“At the club we have people who have never competed in triathlon before, to people who compete quite seriously.

“Last year I decided my goal was to try and qualify for the European Championships because I looked at the times and thought I am capable.”

After taking part in a qualifying competition a year ago, in which the top four in each age group qualify for the championships in Kitzbuhel which start on Saturday, Knight finished third in the Shropshire triathlon and booked her ticket alongside fellow club members Luke Campbell and Chrissy Roberts.

“This time last year I was having a bit of a tough time so I was elated, surprised and really pleased to be going,” added Knight.

“I’m very excited and I am a bit nervous as well. With triathlon you never know what it going to happen so I’ve not set myself any targets, I just don’t want to come last.”

Teenager Campbell started competing two years ago and will also take his place at the European Championships when he lines up for the U20s in Dusseldorf, Germany.

During his qualification race in Nottingham a year ago, the student failed to clinch an automatic qualification place, but was then handed a roll down spot.

Since then he has found himself a coach and thinks there is no reason why he can’t aim high when he travels to Germany.

“My coach has really helped with the consistency and quality of my training, my plan is to finish in the top five for the U20s,’’ said the 18 year old. “Preparation couldn’t have been much better, I had a small injury throughout the winter but other than that I was training up to 10 hours a week.”