The 41-year-old wheelchair racing star from Quebec, who claimed 14 Paralympic gold medals in the T54 disability category during an incredible career, was set to serve as an Athlete Services Officer for Team Canada at the 2012 Paralympics but has now decided to work with Britain's Paralympic team.

Petitclerc will be joining her former coach and mentor Peter Eriksson, who is currently UK Athleties' Head Coach for Paralympic Performance, and the CPC chief executive Henry Storgaard wished her well in her new role.

"The Canadian Paralympic Committee wishes Chantal all the best in her new role with the Paralympics GB athletics team," he said.

"She is an iconic Paralympic athlete in Canada and has made a significant contribution to the Paralympic Movement in Canada.

"Being asked to coach with another National Paralympic Team is a testament to the respect that she has garnered from her competitors and colleagues worldwide.

"We are very grateful for her commitment to the Canadian Paralympic Team and we look forward to her return to Canada in the future."

In her role with Britain's Paralympians, Petitclerc will attend all key preparation camps and competitions from January 2012, where she will work with Britain's top athletes, particularly the younger team members.

"Selecting this position was a very difficult decision to make given my intense pride and loyalty to Canada as a Paralympic athlete," said Petitclerc.

"However, this opportunity is one that will provide me with unique international coaching education and experience that will be invaluable both on a personal and professional level as I make the transition from a retired athlete to a full-time career in sport.

"It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with the Canadian Paralympic Committee to learn about the incredible work that happens behind the scenes to support athletes in their drive to achieve podium results."

Petitclerc lost the use of both legs at just 13 when a heavy barn door fell on her but it was not long after the accident that she took up Paralympic sport and became began to dominate the sport of wheelchair racing.

Having won every major title available to her, Petitclerc retired shortly after taking five gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics but she has remained a major figure in the world of disability sport and last year became the first female Paralympian to be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

She holds an Olympic gold medal - which she won in an 800 metre wheelchair racing demonstration event at Athens 2004 - and has numerous top accolades in her collection including the prestigious Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability prize and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Female Athlete of the Year trophy.

Petitclerc has also been appointed Companion of the Order of Canada and received a Star on Canada's Walk of Fame.

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November 2011: Wheelchair racing superstar Petitclerc joins UK Athletics as coach and mentor
April 2011: Petitclerc given key Team Canada post for London 2012
November 2010: Petitclerc first female Paralympian inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
October 2010: Wheelchair racer Petitclerc joins Canadian Paralympic Committee board
December 2009: Another award for the incredible Petitclerc