The former downhill skier competed in two Olympic Games and won bronze in the downhill at Lake Placid in 1980.

"It's such an honour," said Podborski from Calgary during the official announcement.

Podborski, 54, was an an assistant Chef de Mission to Natalie Lambert at Vancouver 2010, where Canada finished top of the overall medals table with a total of 26 medals, including 14 gold.

"In 2010, Canada's athletes proved that they are a force to be reckoned with, and I look forward to supporting them as they reach for the podium in Sochi," said Podborski.

Podborski was a member of "Crazy Canucks", a group of Canadian alpine ski racers who rose to prominence in the World Cup during the 1970s and 80s and were noted for their aggressive style.

He was the first North American man to win the overall World Cup downhill title in 1982.

"Steve Podborski is an icon in Canadian winter sport, and we are pleased that he has accepted to take on this role," said Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) President Marcel Aubut.

"He is the ideal candidate to be our Chef de Mission in Sochi."

Podborski's first task will be to choose a Deputy Chef de Mission, who has promised wil be a Francophone.

"The DNA of the COC is that we apply the bilingual approach to all we do.

"We want to serve the athletes in the language of their choice."

Former swimmer Mark Tewksbury is Canada's Chef de Mission for London 2012.

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