ONE of the greatest personalities in Olympic history will inspire Medway to go for gold and get involved in the 2012 London games.

Sir Steve Redgrave, winner of five consecutive gold medals, will kick-start celebrations at a black-tie dinner at the Corn Exchange, Rochester, on January 23.

The rowing superstar, who won gold in Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney, will address a 200-strong audience on the theme of Be Inspired.

Sir Steve was knighted after scooping gold in the coxless four event in Sydney in 2000. Doctors feared he would have to stop training when they diagnosed him with diabetes in 1997, but the 6ft 5in hero overcame the odds to cross the finish line in first place.

Bob Dimond, Medway’s manager for the 2012 London Olympic Games, said: “We are thrilled to be able to welcome the greatest Olympian in history to Medway.

“We are committed to maximising the opportunities arising for Medway from the 2012 Olympics being held in London and I am sure the presence of Sir Steve for our official launch will prove an inspiration to everybody.

“We want to prove we are serious about the Olympics and what better way to do that than to have Sir Steve Redgrave in Medway.”

Medway Council is keen to put Medway on the map during the Olympics and has already made a bid to the British Olympic Association to host cycling, trampolining and rowing events.