Gymnast Lauren Mitchell Becomes a Visa Ambassador for London 2012

Australian gymnast Lauren Mitchell has become a Visa ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic Games joining 14 times Olympic swimming gold medallist Michael Phelps and Beijing 2008 shot put gold medal winner Valerie Adams.

Mitchell was the first female Australian athlete to claim a world gold medal at the 2011 World Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam.

She also claimed two silver medals at the 2009 World Gymnastics Championships in London, as well as claiming gold medals at the 2010 Stuttgart World Cup in balance beam, floor exercise and uneven bars.

Her confirmation as a Visa ambassador makes her the first Australian to be at the front of the organisation’s Olympic Games’ marketing campaign.

Visa’s country manager in Australia, Vipin Kalra, said: “The Olympic Games begin and end with the athletes and we’re excited to have Lauren join Visa as our first Australian Olympic ambassador.”

Visa’s campaign will air later this month, entitled “Go World”, and will feature Mitchell performing her routines. Visa cardholders will be entered into a weekly draw from which they could win a trip for two to the Olympic Games in the English capital next year.

“Winning an Olympic gold medal has been a dream of mine since I was a child and it’s great to know I have got Visa and the rest of Australia behind me as I head to London,” Mitchell said.

Visa who have a long association with the Olympic Movement, made their athlete selections based on a number of criteria, including dedication to their sport, community involvement and athletic achievements.