The 49-year-old, who has gold medals from the Olympics, World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games in his collection, moved into broadcasting at the end of his athletics career.

He has covered the last four Olympic Games for the BBC and will make his Eurosport debut at the European Aquatics Championships in London between May 9 and 22.

His appointment also means he will be at the forefront of Eurosport's Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics coverage.

The pan-continental channel was awarded all TV and multi-platform broadcast rights in Europe for the 2018-2024 Olympic Games cycle by the International Olympic Committee last year.

"It will be a huge honour to tell the stories of the world’s greatest sporting events to passionate fans right across the world, including from the Olympic Games," said Edwards, who set his triple jump world record of 18.29 metres in 1995.

“Having been in front of the camera at the previous four Olympic Games, I know how important it is to help translate the power and excitement of the Games to viewers and I look forward to working with Eurosport as they plan for Pyeongchang 2018."

Peter Hutton, Chief Executive Officer of Eurosport, added: “Securing Jonathan as Eurosport’s lead presenter is a further example of our ambition to tell the best sports stories, with the best sports storytellers, and to fuel the passion of fans leading up to our Olympic Games coverage in 2018 and beyond.

"Jonathan was the ultimate professional as an athlete and has since become one of the foremost voices of sports broadcasting.

"As a world class presenter, commentator and journalist, he will bring expert insight to Eurosport viewers across all our markets.”