Sir Roger, who ran his historic mile at Iffley Road running track in 1954, is being consulted by Oxford University about its role in the lead-up to 2012.

 

The 80-year-old said: "Being involved in the Olympics would undoubtedly give the city a large boost.

 

"The facilities we have would not be sufficient for one of the larger states, like America or Germany, but would be perfect for a smaller nation.

 

"London 2012 will leave a legacy for counties across Britain and Oxford can be a part of that.

 

"We have a lot to offer.”

 

Sir Roger added Oxford would appeal to teams from across the globe.

 

He said: "Many athletes will not want to stay in the Olympic Village, and I'm sure they would welcome the chance to stay in a university city with excellent sporting facilities.

 

"The £35 million project to redevelop Iffley Road will play an integral part in the city’s role in the Games."

 

The plans include a new sports hall, two new halls and a gym, cafe; and offices in the current sports centre.

 

The tennis courts will also be re-developed and the buildings will all be more eco-friendly.

 

The current swimming pool and rowing centre will remain.

 

Oxford University's director of sport Jon Roycroft said: "Many of our facilities have now passed their sell-by dates in terms of suitability and we are looking to provide the sporting facilities the university deserves.

 

"We strive to be the world’s best academic university, and the sports facilities should aspire to be as good as they can be."

 

Three sports centres – Iffley Road, Radley College’s sports centre and Alden Livery in Upton, near Didcot – have already been granted training camp status by London 2012.

 

Jowell claimed that Oxford was ideally placed to attract an overseas team to train there.

 

She said: "Oxford and the surrounding areas are well placed to play a very important role in the London 2012 Olympics.

 

"There are three world-class sporting facilities, which could make excellent training camps.

 

"Who wouldn’t want to spend three months acclimatising in Oxfordshire before the Games?

 

"The city is steeped in history and could be a wonderful tourist destination for thousands of people.

 

"Plus Oxford is only about an hour-and-a-quarter from London on the M40 so it's close enough for visitors to explore."

 

 

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August 2009: Sir Roger Bannister helping Oxford find Olympic role