The first 12 athletes to join the BMW London 2012 Performance Team include world diving champion Tom Daley (pictured), Olympic gymnastic bronze medallist Louis Smith, double Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds and triathlon siblings Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee.

This number is set to rise to 25 over the coming months.

Plans are already under way regarding how best to utilise BMW's technological and performance expertise while the 25 athletes will also have the use of a BMW car to help with their transport to training.

Speaking from the launch at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, 16-year-old Daley said: "It's no secret that I'll be looking to win a gold medal at London 2012, but what I do in the run-up to the Games is as important as what I do on the day itself.

"Having the support of the BMW London 2012 Performance Team throughout my training will help to drive me towards my dream and hopefully towards passing my driving test this year too!"



Tim Abbott, managing director of BMW UK, added: "Our position as the world's most sustainable automotive company makes us a natural partner for a sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

"Our Efficient Dynamics programme means our cars are extremely fuel efficient, with low CO2 emissions, while still delivering great performance – just like our athletes who strive for maximum energy efficiency and performance.

"That's why we're delighted to be launching the BMW London 2012 Performance Team and we look forward to supporting these athletes as they prepare for London 2012."

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