By Tom Degun

Ralph Lauren_London_2012_usoc_16-12-11December 18 - Ralph Lauren Corporation, an official outfitter of the United States Olympic team, have announced their roster of Olympic hopefuls who will serve as Ralph Lauren brand ambassadors for London 2012, with swimming icons Ryan Lochte and Rebecca Soni named on the list.


Triple Olympic champion Lochte is expected to be one of the stars in the Aquatics Centre at London 2012 after he defeated great rival Michael Phelps twice in July on his way to claiming five gold medals at the Shanghai 2011 World Championships, while Olympic 200 metre breaststroke champion Soni will also be a major attraction having dominated her event for several years.

The duo are joined as London 2012 Olympic Ralph Lauren brand ambassadors by wrestler Henry Cejudo, decathlete Bryan Clay, beach volleyball players Jennifer Kessy and April Ross, rower Giuseppe Lanzone, footballer Heather Mitts and gymnasts Jonathan Horton, McKayla Maroney and Alexandra Raisman.

As part of the agreement, Ralph Lauren are set to design the official Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony parade uniforms for Team USA, as well as a unique collection of village wear apparel and accessories.

"The Olympic Games are the greatest sporting event in the world and we are incredibly honoured to partner with this esteemed group of athletes," said David Lauren, vice president of advertising, marketing and corporate communications at Ralph Lauren.

"They embody the true spirit of American sportsmanship and we are proud to have them wear our product as they represent Team USA."

The London 2012 Olympic Ralph Lauren collection is inspired by the London 1948 Olympic Games and therefore features a mix of authentic reproductions, vintage motifs and modern sporting silhouettes in the US colours of red, white and navy.

The collection also features reissued heritage pieces from the 1930s and 1940s including fleece warm-ups, a cricket-collar shirt and sweatshirts with felt USA appliqués.

Vintage track and field designs and embroidery give the collection an old world athletic charm, while an updated 1948 crest pays homage to the year Team USA topped the medal table at the last Olympics in London.

Modern looks include the sporty Big Pony polo with new Olympic team logo.

The Ralph Lauren 2012 Olympic Collection for men, women and children will be available for purchase online from May.

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