Six Kent athletes will get to experience the London 2012 Olympics, despite not qualifying themselves, after being named in the Olympic Ambition Programme.

The British Olympic Association announced a list of 130 athletes and 56 coaches from across 44 sports who will participate in the Team GB programme this summer.

The programme, supported by Lloyds TSB, will give the talented youngsters a unique chance to experience an Olympic Games environment at first hand.

Among the athletes are hockey star and EuroCanterbury Ladies’ new captain Susannah Townsend and Bromley weightlifter Emily Godley, both 22, and Hythe windsurfer Elliot Carney and West Kingsdown skeleton bob star Lizzy Yarnold, both 23.

Tonbridge judo star Jemima Yeats-Brown, 17, and Gravesend modern pentathlete Kate French, 21, are also included.

The Ambition Programme aims to prepare athletes and coaches to compete at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games or the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

During the programme, all athletes and coaches will visit Team GB’s preparation camp at Loughborough before visiting the Olympic Village, watching two Olympic competition sessions and experiencing the atmosphere at Team GB House in Westfield Stratford City.

British Olympic Association CEO Andy Hunt said: "The Olympic Ambition Programme is a key element of our legacy, planning for future Olympic Games, both summer and winter.

"The young athletes and coaches participating in the programme will experience the unique atmosphere and environment of the Olympic Games and gain a very special behind the scenes insight with Team GB.

"We hope the programme will provide them with added inspiration and knowledge to further develop their international careers and compete successfully for Team GB at future Olympic Games."