At 24 years old, she is the youngest person to be named to the role in the history of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) and will now lead the 13-strong team to China for the Games, which take place on August 16-28.

"This is a tremendous honour and privilege for me," John said.

"I appreciate the huge responsibility placed on my shoulders.

"I am the first active athlete to be appointed Chef de Mission.

"I am confident that I will do a good job and look forward to working with the Youth Olympians, coaches and other team officials."

Athletes from the nation will compete in athletics, beach volleyball, triathlon, table tennis, gymnastics and aquatics, and will be hoping to build on the historic gold won by swimmer Christian Homer at Singapore 2010.

Olympic shot putter Cleopatra Borel will support Kwanieze John at Nanjing 2014 ©AFP/Getty Images


A strong medal hope among the field is another swimmer in Dylan Carter, who won silver in the 50 metres butterfly at the World Junior Swimming Championships in Dubai last August.

Olympic shot putter Cleopatra Borel will support John at Nanjing 2014, along with youth ambassador Jeannette Small.

"The appointment of Kwanieze is a reflection of our commitment to an athlete and youth centred approach," TTOC President Brian Lewis told insidethegames.

"The TTOC must reach out to the young people of Trinidad and Tobago.

"Kwanieze  and Jeannette Small  - young ambassador  - are two young ladies who are passionate and committed to sport.

"They are positive role models to the young women and girls."

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