Tom Daley is star name in British Youth Olympics team
WORLD and European platform diving champion Tom Daley believes success at next month's inaugural Youth Olympic Games will be the ideal springboard for more medals at London 2012.
MEDAL HOPE: World diving champion Tom Daley will lead the 40-strong British team at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore (Getty Images)
Daley was Britain's youngest competitor at the Beijing Olympics but the 16-year old is the most experienced name in the 40-strong team bound for Singapore, which was announced by the British Olympic Association this morning.
"The Youth Olympic Games are another important step for me on the road to London 2012, where I will do my very best to win gold for Team GB," he said.
"Building upon my participation at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, I am looking forward to gaining further experience of a multi-sport environment and the unique atmosphere of living alongside athletes from different sports and countries in an Olympic Village.
"I am very proud and excited to represent Team GB at the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
"It is always a special feeling to put on Team GB kit and compete for your country on the international stage.
Among the others named in the squad, which will compete across 16 sports, are Victoria Ohuruogu, younger sister of Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, and Oliver Goulding, who reached the semi-finals of the boy's singles at Wimbledon.
Athletics is the best sport represented with David Bolarinwa, who won gold and silver in the 100m and 200m at the European Youth Olympic Trials in Moscow expected to shine among the 13 athletes selected.
British Swimming who had initially not been expected to commit to a team will now send two athletes, including Ellie Faulkner, who won the European junior open water title last year.
"It's a huge privilege to be taking such a talented group of young athletes to compete for Team GB at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games," said chef de mission Jan Paterson.
"I'm confident that we will see some exciting performances and the athletes will display skill, determination and pride to achieve their personal best for Team GB in Singapore.
"Importantly, the Youth Olympic Games are about more than just sporting competition. It will provide the young Team GB athletes with an excellent opportunity to participate in a multi-sport event, and experience living and competing with over 3,500 competitors from across the world."
Full team see next page.
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