ONE of the region's greatest sportsmen has been appointed to the body that will organise the London Olympics in 2012.
Triple jump gold medallist Jonathan Edwards has been appointed to the board of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.
Edwards, a former world record holder who won gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, was unanimously selected as the athlete representative on the board.
The athlete, who achieved fame while competing for the Gateshead Harriers before retiring from the sport two years ago, played an integral part in winning the Games for Britain.
The news was announced yesterday by committee chairman Lord Coe, who said: "Jonathan was an integral part of London's successful bid to host the 2012 Games. He worked tirelessly on our behalf, and eloquently represented the views of our Athletes' Advisory Commission.
"Sport and the needs of athletes are central to London's plans for the Games, and I know that Jonathan will continue to represent these views energetically."
Edwards added: "I am honoured to have been chosen as the athlete representative."
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