But Felix, just as much as his illustrious team members Ben Ainslie and Iain Percie, will have to maintain top form to ensure selection for the Games.

Felix's honorary position alongside the likes of triple Olympic champion Ainslie and double Olympic gold medallist Percy in Skandia Team GBR is based on something far more pragmatic than the need for a mascot.

He has been selected to scare away the seagulls who have been making life increasingly uncomfortable for team members at and around their Weymouth and Portland HQ.

A bird of prey was first employed by team officials at a recent Olympic Classes after early morning squawking from the gulls was disturbing the sleep of many of the team, and their fouling was beginning to damage buildings and boats.

With the 2012 Olympics less than two years away, Britain's sailors will be spending more and more time training and competing in the Olympic venue of Weymouth in their quest for selection to the Games.

With this in mind, Felix will now be brought in for two weeks before all major competitions at the venue, to patrol the sky and keep the seagulls at bay.

However, just like the sailors, Felix will have to earn selection to make it to the Olympics.



Team manager Stephen Park said: "Felix will have to deliver a consistent performance to guarantee his place in Weymouth in 2012.

"Seagulls are a natural part of the seaside environment but the sheer quantity of them around our accommodation block is a problem for us.

"Felix will have his work cut out to ensure the sailors' sleep isn't disturbed.

"If he does his job well, his place on the team is assured."

Peregrine Falcons are the fastest animal on the planet with a self-propelled speed of up to 250mph during dives.

Felix joins the 35-strong support team at Skandia Team GBR - which includes specialist coaches, a meteorologist, a psychologist, physiologists and physiotherapists, a nutritionist and even a chef - who all work to help the sailors plan for the best in their quest to win medals for Britain.

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