Lizzie Simmonds named Team GB Chef de Mission for Banská Bystrica 2022

Two-time Olympian, Lizzie Simmonds, has been named as Chef de Mission for Team GB for the 2022 Banská Bystrica European Youth Olympic Festival. Simmonds, aged 31, will lead a team of aspiring Olympians into competition in the Slovakian city from 24-30 July 2022. The appointment sees Simmonds complete her own EYOF journey having previously competed in the 2005 edition in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, before going on to represent Team GB at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games. Simmonds, who is the Chair of the BOA’s Athletes’ Commission, said: “I am incredibly excited and honoured to have been appointed as Team GB’s Chef de Mission for Banská Bystrica 2022. “A European Youth Olympic Festival is often an athlete’s first multi-sport experience, and learning how to thrive in this unique environment is a hugely important stepping-stone to future success at a senior Games. “Having started my own journey with Team GB at an EYOF, it is a great privilege to have come full circle and now have the opportunity to help prepare our next generation of Olympians.” The British Olympic Association’s CEO, Andy Anson, added: “Lizzie will be an inspirational leader for our young athletes attending the Festival. Multi-sport experiences are unique and few-and-far-between for young athletes, so this is an exciting opportunity for those selected.” With 10 sports on the programme, Team GB will take part in the summer EYOF for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began, having last competed in Baku 2019. The sports include: Artistic Gymnastics; Athletics; Badminton; Basketball; Cycling; Handball; Judo; Swimming; Tennis and Volleyball.