The ITU is pleased to announce that reigning Olympic gold medallists Emma Snowsill and Jan Frodeno are the first triathletes to be named Laureus Ambassadors.  The two triathlon stars were officially welcomed to Laureus’ star-studded roster of Ambassadors and World Sports Academy Members at an event in Sydney where they visited with Indigenous school children today.  Joining Snowsill and Frodeno today were Olympic legends Cathy Freeman, Dawn Fraser, Daley Thompson and Mick Doohan, five-time World Motorcycle Champion.

Emma Snowsill, 2008 Olympic gold medallist and three-time World Champion: “Triathlon has come a long way in a short time and to be one of the first triathletes inducted as an ambassador for such an amazing foundation and an amazing cause is really an honour.  To be involved with a very elite group of people and working towards some special projects it really is quite incredible.”

Jan Frodeno, 2008 Olympic gold medallist said: “It’s always really impressed me to see what Laureus is doing,” said Frodeno. They take their time and effort to try and change things through sport and that’s what really impresses me and I’m very proud to be a part of this.  It’s absolutely fantastic to see little kids getting energized by sport.”

Freeman, an Australian track icon after her famous run to Olympic gold in Sydney 2000, watched as the youngsters participated in Indigenous games and rugby league skills sessions.  Freeman is six months pregnant and couldn’t participate herself but enjoyed interacting with the children about her Olympic gold from 2000.  She was delighted to welcome Snowsill and Frodeno to the Laureus family.

“It gives me the great pleasure to be able to name Emma and Jan as members of the Laureus Amabassador programme,” said Freeman.  “They will be joining many other Laureus Ambassadors around the world who give their time so generously to help others.”

When Snowsill was asked if she had watched Freeman during the 2000 Olympic Games, she said: “Absolutely, I got goosebumps already just thinking about it! She’s obviously a huge Australian icon and Dawn Fraser and Mick Doohan, they’re all legends and for them to all come together for a cause like this and through so many diverse sports and through so many diverse projects and helping communities and children in so many different ways, I think it’s fantastic.”

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is the official charity partner of the ITU and the relationship was formally announced last year in Sydney to kick off the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series.

Click here for more on the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation