The ARMs are Olympians selected by the international federation taking part in the Youth Olympic Games as well as by the IOC Athletes' Commission and have been chosen because it is claimed they exemplify the Olympic values both on and off the field of play.

Their role is to mentor the 3,600 young athletes who are expected to attend the Youth Olympics, which are due to open on August 14 and last until August 26, and answer their questions.

Chinese diving queen and triple Olympic gold medallist Guo Jingjing and former short track speed skating heroine Yang Yang, who has won an astonishing 59 world titles, are among the list that features many legendary names from the world of sport.

Harland, who picked up a bronze medal in the modern pentathlon at the Athens 2004 Olympics, is the only Briton to receive the honour of being named as one of the ARMs.

Athletes at the Youth Olympic Games will be encouraged to engage in conversation with the ARMs, who will attend the competitions, visit the Youth Olympic Village and feature in "Chat with Champions" forums designed to inspire and educate the participants with personal accounts of their own dreams and experiences.

Sergey Bubka, the 1988 Olympic pole vault chairman and chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission for the event, claimed he is delighted to be an Athlete Role Model and is impressed by the line-up put together.

He said: "These are not just great athletes the international federations have chosen, these are also inspirational people.

"I am sure the young athletes will enjoy being around them, and they will learn a great deal about what it takes to be a top athlete and live by the Olympic values."

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