Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Jamie Staff has taken up a new role to support sport in Ashford.

The Olympic champion, whose parents Alan and Christine live in Brabourne Lees, has agreed to become a sporting ambassador for Active Ashford, the Borough’s Sports Partnership Network.

He joins the existing group of Ambassadors who include Olympic runner Lisa Dobriskey, cricketer James Tredwell and former England soccer star Ian Wright.

Since becoming World BMX Champion in 1996, Jamie has an impressive list of honours and medals to his name, culminating in the world record breaking sprint time by the British trio at Beijing this year where he recorded the fastest ever first lap in a team sprint.

He partnered Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy to victory in the team sprint event.

Although he will be 39 by the time of the 2012 Olympics in London, Jamie has his sights set on more medal glory at the London Games.

He has urged others to fight to achieve their goals, and be inspired by his achievements.

He said: “I am just an average person who works hard and has achieved something.

“I am not special. Hopefully I can maybe inspire people to get out there and make something of their lives and careers.”