One of Italy's most successful athletes of recent decades, May won long jump outdoor world titles at Gothenburg 1995 and Edmonton 2001, as well as Olympic silver medals at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 and world indoor gold at Paris 1997.

The 45-year-old is a strong advert for the multi-cultural Italy the bid is hoping to promote. 

May was  born in the British town of Slough to parents of Jamaican origin and winning a bronze medal for England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland before switching nationality four years later after marrying her coach Gianni Iapichino.

May's appointment follows the unveiling of Barcelona 1992 and Sydney 2000 Olympic fencing champion Diana Bianchedi as director general last week.

"It's not only very good to have more athletes at the top of the bid, but also incredibly valuable to have two women," said May.

"It's time to change the perception of Italy that some people have abroad.

"It is the time to understand that we are not so far behind as some think. 

"I believe that choosing two women to represent the Bid Committee is a winning strategy and I hope that the percentage of women will increase, both in sports, and among the winners.

"By having two female champions in the bid, Rome is demonstrating it's commitment through actions and not just words."

May, who describes herself as a "product of multiculturalism", will be making her first official appearence with the bid team at this week's 44th European Olympic Committees General Assembly, which is due to start here tomorrow. 

She admits that some people "may not believe that Rome can succeed" given the ongoing political and economic problems faced by the Italian capital, adding: "In times of difficulty that people have to believe, work harder and come together to win.

"Trophies and medals are won only after sweat and commitment.

"Rome is a beautiful city that has so much to give.

"For this reason, we have to accept the challenge.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a unique opportunity for our children and young people of today, because tomorrow they could have the chance to meet their favorite athletes in the streets of their city.

"It is an incredible opportunity for athletes, because they would wear the shirt of their national team at home."

May was speaking as bid colleagues including Bianchedi and representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Italian National Olympic Committee completed a two-day workshop with the IOC in Lausanne.

The event is billed as one of the first official markers following the formal beginning of a two-year bidding process in September.

Separate workshops are being conducted with Rome and its four rivals  - Budapest, Hamburg, Los Angeles and Paris - this week, with each opening with a video message delivered by IOC President Thomas Bach.

The German encouraged Rome to focus on unique elements which characterise Italian culture in the world, including its "great artistic heritage".

Improving the quality of life of its citizens, delivering the long-term vision to the city, ensuring a unique experience for the spectators and to make sure athletes are the true heart of the project were cited as other key areas for focus.

Other topics reportedly covered included the venues, the ethical code and an initial evaluation of the Italian application file.

A host city is expected to be chosen at the 2017 IOC Session in Peruvian capital Lima. 

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