Professor Brewer, who alongside his role at the University is also the Chair of British Ski and Snowboard, was part of the panel that ratified the 19-strong team of skiers and snowboarders, who will form part of the GB squad that travels to Russia next month.

“Picking the ski and snowboard squad was an incredibly tough job, especially as many of the athletes we considered met the Olympic Qualifying standard,” said Professor Brewer, Director of Sport and Sports Enterprise at Bedfordshire.

“But the finalised squad we have selected excites me as it is one of the strongest ever. I firmly believe the ski and snowboard team can meet UK Sport’s target of up to two medals, as there are some extremely talented youngsters, as well as experienced competitors, heading to Sochi.”

And Professor Brewer, who was Chair of the British Handball Association for the London Olympics 2012, is hoping a strong showing from the GB bobsleigh team in Russia will aid the development of two Bedfordshire students, Antoe Walters and Ashley Watson, who were in the running to represent GB at Sochi.

He added: “By allowing me to take on the role of Chair of British Ski and Snowboard, the University of Bedfordshire has played a role in supporting the country in Sochi – something I am very proud of.

“And whilst they’re not part of the bobsleigh squad in Russia next month, Antoe and Ashley will clearly benefit from a successful Olympics for the bobsleigh team, which could mean a duo of local students competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.”

The Winter Olympics in Sochi are to get underway on Thursday 6 February.