• London Olympics 2012

Team GB Olympic legends unveiled

ESPN staff
March 28, 2011
Team GB have unveiled 27 ambassadors ahead of London 2012 © Getty Images
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Sir Steve Redgrave, Kelly Holmes, James DeGale and Amir Khan feature among a stellar group of 27 Olympic legends who will Team GB 2012 Ambassadors for next year's Olympic Games in London.

The British Olympic Association unveiled the 27 legends during a ceremony at the Tate Modern in London. Between them, the 27 Ambassadors can draw upon experience of winning 51 Olympic medals, 27 of which were golds.

The Ambassadors will be charged with the task of aiding Team GB's athletes prior to and during London 2012. The Ambassadors, who have committed their time voluntarily, will offer support in a variety of ways, including helping with a programme to support the friends and family of athletes in the lead-up to and during the Games; motivational speaking and answering questions from groups of athletes and sports; involvement at London 2012 Test Events; visiting the Team GB Preparation Camp in Loughborough and helping to create that 'special moment' when athletes receive their kit and truly feel like they are going to the Olympic Games; and through their attendance at Team GB fundraising events.

British Olympic Association chairman Colin Moynihan said: "The Team GB 2012 Ambassadors will create an important connection between our Olympic heroes of yesterday, who have provided us with so many unforgettable moments of great achievement and British pride, with the stars of today and tomorrow, who will be inspired through their engagement with the Ambassadors to make the most of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by competing at a home Olympic Games.

"It is not just the athletes we have to think about; the support behind Team GB is just as important, the coaches, the support staff, the sports, the friends and families who have supported athletes throughout their careers. Helping the wider 'Team GB family' deal with the unique Olympic environment - and the specific pressure of being at home will also be a key part of the Ambassadors role."

Five-time Olympic rowing champion Redgrave said: "I would have loved to have been able to compete at a home Olympics myself, but unfortunately this is not going to happen. I am absolutely delighted to be an Ambassador for Team GB in 2012 and can't think of any better way to support the team. I hope I can use my vast experience of competing in the Olympic environment to help prepare members of the team to deal with the pressure, the scrutiny, the highs and the lows. But also to make the most of one of the most special moments in their lives; being an Olympian, in front of a home crowd. Hopefully I can help enable them to achieve their dreams, like I did mine."

Double Olympic gold medallist Holmes said: "I am delighted to be able to play my part in supporting British athletes at London 2012 as a Team GB Ambassador. Having the Olympics on home soil in London is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I hope the advice and support that I can offer from my Olympic experiences will help our athletes deal with the intense spotlight they will be under. Winning double gold in Athens was an incredible feeling and I am relishing the chance to give something back to Team GB and help our athletes make the country proud in 2012."

Boxing Olympic gold medallist DeGale said: "Competing at the Olympic Games is a unique experience in world sport. I can offer the members of Team GB, athletes and coaches alike my advice from my knowledge and experience of competing in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to help prepare them to deal with and thrive on, the serious spotlight they will be under in the lead up to and during London 2012."

List of Ambassadors:
Adrian Moorhouse
Amir Khan
Amy Williams
Christopher Dean
Colin Jackson
Darren Campbell
David Hemery
Denise Lewis
Duncan Goodhew
James Cracknell
James DeGale
Jayne Torvill
Jonathan Edwards
Kelly Holmes
Kriss Akabusi
Lynn Davies
Mary Peters
Rhona Martin
Roger Black
Robin Cousins
Sally Gunnell
Sharron Davies
Shirley Robertson
Steve Backley
Steve Redgrave
Tessa Sanderson
Tim Henman

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