Paddock previously interned at USOC's international games division, where he assisted Team USA with many behind-the-scenes logistics at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and also has experience of youth coaching.

"I am honoured to serve Team USA as the young ambassador for the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games and look forward to interacting with these incredible young athletes," said the 25-year-old, who is an avid volunteer in the Colorado Springs sports community.

"The truly special thing about the Youth Olympic Games is the educational and cultural opportunities that accompany the competition and allow young athletes to get the full picture of the Olympic Movement."

In his role as young ambassador, Paddock will be responsible for encouraging Team USA athletes to participate in the Innsbruck 2012 Culture and Education Programme, and will help support the team's Chef de Mission.

Among his duties, he will also maintain a report on the Games to be provided to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), speak at sport organisations and schools about the cultural impact of the YOG and participate in youth sports forums.

He was selected from a strong pool of young candidates, aged between 18 and 25 years, and employed by the USOC, a US national governing body or a US Olympic training site.

"On behalf of the US Olympic Committee, I'd like to congratulate and thank Charlie for accepting the responsibility of young ambassador for Team USA," said USOC chief of communications Patrick Sandusky.

"The IOC's commitment to spreading Olympism to young athletes is commendable and the USOC fully backs the Youth Olympic Games initiative and looks forward to watching some our country's best young people compete, learn and grow in Innsbruck."

The Innsbruck 2012 Youth Olympics runs from January 13 to 22, with approximately 1,100 athletes from over 60 countries expected to compete.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]