Among the greats lending their support are Daley Thompson, Cathy Freeman and England football captain David Beckham.

London 2012 chairman and double Olympic gold medallist, Sebastian Coe, said: "The list of ambassadors and supporters continues to grow strongly.

"They have all, in many different ways, inspired Britain and having their support will help highlight our bid."

As well as British athletes such as Paula Radcliffe, Jonathan Edwards, and Tanni Grey-Thompson, legendary Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie and world 100m champion Kim Collins of St Kitts & Nevis are supporting London.

I think London will be a great venue for the Olympic Games Cathy Freeman

Coe added: "This team of sports ambassadors and supporters is unprecedented for a major sporting project in the UK."

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave is also keen for the public to give their backing.

He said: "I urge people to register their support on the official London 2012 website.

The galaxy of stars who are backing the London 2012 bid will attend sporting events, speak about the bid with schools and youth organisations, local community groups, and appear in marketing campaigns.

"It would be great if the Games came to Britain where the people really appreciate their sport," said Beckham.

And Australia's 400m Olympic champion from Sydney 2000, Freeman, added: "I think London will be a great venue for the Olympic Games.

"It is somewhere I love competing and where I have lived and trained for several years."