Dr Julia Alleyne (pictured) has been named as chief medical officer and will be supported by chief therapist Marc Rizzardo, lead mental performance consultant Dr Kimberley Amirault-Ryan and Marnie McBean, specialist, athlete preparation.

"We are assembling the best, most experienced team of specialists to help athletes and team members - in partnership with National Sport Federations (NSF) - turn in their best performance at the 2012 Olympic Games," said Caroline Assalian, executive managing director of sport and NSF relations at the Canadian Olympic Committee.

"With less than two years to London's Opening Ceremony, these Olympic specialists are sharing Olympic and London-specific strategies with summer NSFs.

"The goal is to create an optimal performance-focused Olympic environment, for athletes, coaches and team members."

Dr Alleyne will lead the team's overall health and science services.

Medical director of Sport CARE at Toronto's Women's College Hospital, she served as Canada's assistant chief medical officer at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin.

She was also a member of Canada's health and science team in 2002, 2006 and 2010, and has worked extensively with Skate Canada, Gymnastics Canada and the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine.

Rizzardo will reprise his role as chief therapist, which he held at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

For 2012 he will support Dr Alleyne by managing the team of therapists.

A physiotherapist in Burnaby, British Columbia, he was Canada's chief therapist for the 2007 Pan American Games, and a member of the 2008 Olympic health and science team, as well as sport-specific therapist at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

For the past decade, Dr Amirault-Ryan has worked in professional sport for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, New York Knicks and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

For 12 years, she has worked with Canada's women's hockey, cross-country ski and speed skating teams.

Most recently she was Canada's lead mental performance consultant for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

One of Canada's most accomplished Olympians, former rower McBean will be an advisor to athletes and teams, helping them prepare and build confidence for a unique Olympic environment in London.

A regular motivational speaker, she has served as athlete services officer and preparation specialist in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

McBean won four medals - three of them gold - at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.

With partner Kathleen Heddle, she is the first Canadian to become triple Olympic champion.


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