Greene to captain athletics squad

World 400 metres hurdles champion Dai Greene will captain Great Britain's athletics team at the Olympics.

The 26-year-old is one of Team GB's best hopes for gold on the track as he looks to add the Olympic title to his world, European and Commonwealth crowns.

The Welshman said: "It is an incredible privilege to be asked to captain the British athletics team at any time, but to be given the honour at a home Olympic Games is just incredible."

Greene, who has been chosen for the honour ahead of the likes of Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah, will captain a 78-strong team, having proven himself as one of the nation's best athletes over the last two years.

Greene has previously captained the team last year at the European Team Championships in Sweden.

The former Swansea youth team footballer, one of the most confident athletes on the team, added: "We have a great team spirit in the camp, which will make giving my speech much easier.

"I think our team is one of the strongest in history and I believe that we can go out and do Britain proud and I intend to lead by example."

UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee said: "Dai was a stand out candidate for the London 2012 captaincy. He is a very professional athlete who is both liked and respected by the rest of the team.

"He knows what it takes to win at the highest level and that is a valuable experience to share with the team.

"I know we can also rely on Dai to inspire his team-mates and I wouldn't be surprised if he raised a few laughs during his speech along the way."