Redgrave and Grey-Thompson to mentor British talent

Olympic and Paralympic stars Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson will act as mentors to a new generation of British talent. The athletes will receive financial help towards training costs and be able to call on Redgrave and Grey-Thompson's extensive experience.

Grey Thompson won 16 medals as a wheelchair racer from five Paralympics, including 11 golds, while Redgrave won five consecutive Olympic gold medals in rowing.

The 16 athletes in the scheme, known as Team Visa, have been divided into "Hopefuls" - whose hopes are initially centred on the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing - and "Apprentices" with their eye on the 2012 London Olympics.

"Hopefuls" have been partnered with "Apprentices" in an effort to share training and motivational tips across different sports and disciplines.

Hopefuls: Mo Farah (athletics); Caitlin McClatchey (swimming); Richard Kruse (fencing); Fiona Pennie (canoeing); John McFall; Libby Clegg (both Paralympic track); Paul Goodison (sailing); Beth Tweddle (gymnastics)

Apprentices: Natasha Baker (Paralympic dressage); Helen Freeman (wheelchair basketball); Darius Knight; Paul Drinkhall (both table tennis); Chris Adcock; Gabby White (both badminton); Aaron Cook (taekwondo); Tom Daley (diving)

Athletes were selected by a panel including Redgrave, Grey Thompson and sponsors' representatives after being put forward by their respective sport's national governing body.