Navka, 36, is a two-time world champion, three-time European champion, as well as the 2006 Olympic champion, with partner Roman Kostomarov.

She joins a list of illustrious ambassadors for the Winter Olympic Games, including hockey star Alexander Ovechkin and bobsledder Alexey Voyevoda.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and chief executive of Sochi 2014, said: "Tatyana is one of the most prominent sports personalities in modern figure skating, an Olympic champion and a firm favourite amongst the Russian audience.

"She has already participated in several projects for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Committee and is already a fully-fledged member of our big team."

Navka added: "It is a great honour to become the Sochi 2014 ambassador and I will do my best to promote sports for everyone, with a special focus on children from low income backgrounds from different regions of Russia."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]