Edwards lands 2012 Olympics buildup role

Triple jump Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Jonathan Edwards carries the Olympic torch in its relay across London, June 26, 2004.

(Reuters) - Triple jump world record holder and Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards has been given a leading role in the build-up to the London 2012 Games.

Edwards, who is already on the board of the London organising committee (LOCOG) was named deputy chair of the 2012 Nations and Regions Group on Wednesday.

His role will include visits and speaking engagements in each of the nine English Regions as well as Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Clare Lovell)