The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) also announced Aimee Mullins, the 1996 Paralympian who broke world records at 100 metres, 200m and the long jump, would fulfil the same function at the Paralympics.

"Peter and Aimee are both natural leaders and accomplished athletes," said the USOC chairman, Larry Probst.

"They know firsthand the needs of Olympians and Paralympians and the pressures they will face at the Games.

"Team USA will be well-served by these two extraordinary individuals, and on behalf of the USOC, I'd like to thank them for taking on this responsibility."

At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Vidmar – currently chairman of the board of directors for USA Gymnastics - helped the US men's gymnastics team claim the team gold medal and won a second gold medal on the pommel horse with a perfect 10.0 score.

His all-around silver medal made him the first US man to medal in the all-around at the Olympic Games.

He also earned a team bronze medal at the 1979 World Championships.

His US titles include the all-around in 1980 and 1982, as well as winning the all-around at the 1984 US Olympic Team Trials.

Vidmar also won five NCAA titles and was a 19-time All-American.


"I am extremely honoured to be appointed US Chef de Mission for the 2012 Olympic Games," 49-year-old Vidmar said.

"The Olympics have been an important part of my life since I was very young.

"This role allows me to work with the USOC and National Governing Bodies to ensure that all Team USA athletes have the support they need to achieve their full potential at the Games.

"For many athletes, the opportunity to represent their country in the Olympic Games comes only once, so it is crucial that this experience is as rewarding and successful as possible.

"Whenever I take on any responsibility my first goal is 'Don't mess up'.

"Beyond that, I think Aimee and I will have a chance to liaise with LOCOG, and to be there for our athletes as well as attending official functions on their behalf.

"I have been to nine Olympic Games.

"I competed in 1984 and have been to every Games since then, as well as two Winter games.

"Each had its own characteristics, and I'm sure London will prove to be unique as well.

"I will be attending meetings in London in August and January of next year, and I had a chance to see where the gymnastics will be held when I attended the 2009 World Championships at the O2 Arena.

"I wanted to be an Olympian before I knew I was going to be a gymnast.

"I watched the 1968 Olympics on TV, and I remember watching Jim Ryun fall in the 1500m four years later in Munich, and I knew that his gold medal chance had gone and I felt so bad for him.

"I was already connected to the idea of being an Olympian, and then years later I got a chance to try out for a sport that would take me to the Games.

"I'll never forget that moment in the team competition when I was the last one to go and the gold medal was on the line.

"My coach said to me, 'You've done it a thousand times.

"'Let's do it one more time and go home.'

"Then he smiled at me and said, 'You're ready.'

"That's when I could call upon all those hours I had spent training – all those hours in the gym led to that moment.

"That work is happening all over the United States right now, as athletes are training, not knowing if they are going to be able to be at a Games, but hoping to be.

"It's happening right now all over the country for young people who want the chance of those dreams.

"For many athletes, the opportunity to represent their country in the Olympic Games comes only once, so it is crucial that this experience is as rewarding and successful as possible."

Apart from his role at USA Gymnastics, which he has held since 2008, Vidmar is a professional speaker who has given more than 1,000 presentations on risk-taking, innovation and quality to corporations and associations throughout the United States.

Vidmar, who is based in California, has worked as a journalist at several Summer Olympic Games, including the 2008 Games in Beijing, and as a gymnastics television commentator for both ESPN and CBS.

Vidmar has also published several books and articles on reaching one's potential, meeting goals and achieving success.

The USOC also announced that USOC Chief of Sport Performance Alan Ashley will serve as the Chef de Mission of Team USA for the 2011 Pan American Games, and USOC managing director of US Paralympics Joe Walsh will fill the role of Chef de Mission of Team USA for the 2011 Parapan American Games.

Both the Pan American and Parapan American Games will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico this October and November, respectively.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]