The 56-year-old from Bath (pictured top), who won Olympic gold sailing gold in the Star Class partnering Mike McIntyre at the 1988 Seoul Games, stood down recently as President of British Skeleton and Chairman of the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association.

Vaile, who has an MBE, presided over 10 years of British Skeleton, during which time Shelley Rudman won Olympic silver, at the 2006 Turin Games, and added the overall World Cup title last season, Amy Williams won Olympic gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games and Lizzy Yarnold won the 2012 world junior title.

"It is a real honour to take on this Advisor role for the FIBT," said Vaile.

"These are exciting times for Olympic sport and there are significant opportunities for everyone involved to work together to create a gold standard in everything we do."

Ivo Ferriani, President of the FIBT, commented: "The FIBT is ambitious to continue to expand the sport's global reach and appeal, improve its elite events and assist Federations around the world.

"Bryn can bring us expertise from outside and inside our winter sport environment.

"I have asked him to start by taking on projects on Skeleton Schools and coach accreditation."

During a 20-year voluntary career, Vaile has worked to develop sports performance and strategic sports development programmes – on budget - alongside his professional work in sports Communications and Marketing, where he is director of Matchtight media and public relations company.

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