Mark Tewksbury Named Chef de Mission for Canadian Olympic Team at London 2012 Olympic Games

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced today that two-time Olympian Mark Tewksbury has been appointed as Canada's Chef de Mission for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

"As an Olympic champion, a two-time Olympian and swimming icon, Mark Tewksbury is the ideal choice to lead Canada in 2012," said COC President Marcel Aubut. "His passion for sport and competition matched with his leadership and poise will serve as a huge asset for our Canadian Olympic Team in London."

Tewksbury knows what it means to be a champion. He burst onto the scene at the Barcelona Olympics with a gold medal victory in the 100-metre backstroke, and would eventually retire a triple medal winner, and become a respected humanitarian champion, sharing the stage with the Dalai Lama and featured at the United Nations conference.

"I am truly honoured to have been selected as Canada's Chef de Mission for London 2012," said Tewksbury. "To lead our Canadian Olympic Team into London is an incredible privilege and honour. I look forward to working closely with the Canadian Olympic Committee over the next two years, providing optimum support for Canada's athletes and coaches as we strive to shine on the world stage."

Tewksbury, who was officially unveiled on CTV's Canada AM this morning, is a 21-time national champion in swimming and a seven-time world record holder.

As Chef de Mission, Tewksbury will take on the role of official representative and spokesperson of the Canadian Olympic Team (COT), and be a key member of the overall leadership team for Canada's participation in the Olympic Games. His leadership and Olympic experience are invaluable assets to the delegation. Tewksbury's knowledge of sport and the Olympic Movement will be of utmost importance in the interaction with stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.

Throughout the Games, he will support and promote the COT by helping to create an onsite environment conducive to achieving optimal performance, in line with the goal of placing among the top-12 nations in total medal count in London 2012.

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