The free exhibition showcases photograhic portraits of both athletes and those working behind the scenes to make the Games happen.

Aiming High is the third exhibition of the Final Road to London three-part series of shows, sponsored by BT, that have been installed at the gallery.

The project, which began in 1997 when London prepared to bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, has now exhibited 100 new portraits. 

More than 40 portraits can be seen at Aiming High, including new work by photographers Anderson and Low, Nadav Kander and Jilian Edelstein.

High profile portraits include cycling champion Mark Cavendish (portrait above), as well as Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Transport for London transport commissioner Peter Hendy and UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee.

Beth Tweddle, Britain's most successful and leading gymnastics Olympic hopeful, has also been photographed as part of a group portrait.

Gymnasts Hannah Whelan, Jenni Pinches, Beth Tweddle and Rebecca Tunney (left to right)

Fellow gymnasts Hannah Whelan, Jenni Pinches and Rebecca Tunney, pictured at the City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club where they train, are also in the group shot.

Other athletes featured include the women's hockey team, the men's rowing eight and Tom Aggar, Britain's quadruple Paralympic world rowing champion.

A selection of torchbearers and key behind the scenes personnel have also been photographed.

Among them is Jan Matthews, the head of catering, cleaning and waste for London 2012, who is in charge of serving 14 million meals fit for Olympic and Paralympic athletes this summer during the Games.

Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery, London, said: "Road to 2012 is an essential element of the Olympic and Paralympic Games made possible through the generous support of BT and the close involvement of London 2012.

London 2012 Head of Catering Jan Matthews photographed at Smithfield Market, London

"It celebrates exceptional British sportspeople, and some of the crucial figures working behind the scenes – whether they be coaches and managers or soil engineers, architects or the producers of the key ceremonies.

"It features outstanding photographic portraits that convey the determination, skill and mental prowess of those working at the highest level of international sport."

BT marketing and brand director Suzi Williams added: "We began our journey with the National Portrait Gallery in 2009, setting out to share with the nation the stories of the people behind the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"It's been great to watch the collection take shape, and to be at the heart of making it happen.

"The Road to 2012 collection at the National Portrait Gallery will be a lasting record of the story of the Games for generations to come, and I'm proud we at BT have helped make that possible."

Aiming High is open until September 23 and is part of the London 2012 Festival which brings together artists across the world prior to and during this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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