Fit for purpose: the Olympic hopefuls exhibition

Pete Reed MBE, 29 - Rowing
Olympic gold (men's four) and silver (men's pair), Beijing 2008

Location: Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake, Caversham

"Since I can remember, I've always been competitive and determined. My parents took me hiking as a child and I would always run up to the peak before my family so I could get there first. Nothing has changed now I am an athlete. I love training, racing and, above all, winning. I'm lucky to have a job that suits me so well. The ruthless training through the winter is what you have to go through for the chance of glory in the summer. I want another Olympic gold from the Games in London 2012 and I don't need anything else for motivation."

David Greene, 25 - Hurdles
World Championships silver (4x400 metre hurdle relay) Berlin, 2009; European Championships gold (400m hurdles) Barcelona, 2010; Commonwealth Games gold (400m hurdles) Delhi 2010

Location: Loughborough University

"I've enjoyed playing all types of sports from a young age, but when I first raced the 400m hurdles I knew it was the event for me. It's been a romance ever since."

Abdul Buhari, 29 - discus
Second in AAA National Championships. Has reached Olympic B standard - still working to qualify for London 2012

Location: Crystal Palace Sports Centre

"The Olympics is an opportunity to give something back to the country and the community that supported me."

Hannah Hicks, 19 - Table Tennis
Winner of the under-21 National Table Tennis Championship

Location: at home

"Sport has always been a big part of my life there was a moment in my youth when I was juggling three sports at once - football, cricket and table tennis. I knew I couldn't play all sports at the same time so I decided to abandon the other two and carry on with table tennis. The more times I won, the more I wanted to play. I was a very competitive child and still am, of course."

Hannah Whelan, 19 - Artistic Gymnastics
Represented Great Britain in Beijing in 2008, where she was the shortest and lightest of the British Olympians. Named Liverpool Young Sports Personality of the Year, 2011

Location: City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club

"We're reaping the rewards of performances from people like Beth [Tweddle]. She has improved the confidence of the squad. I'm very excited about competing in front of a home crowd."

Iain Percy, 35 - Sailing
Olympic gold (Finn class), Sydney 2000; Olympic gold (Star class), Beijing 2008.

Location: St Katharine's Dock, London

"We went on a family 'learn to sail' holiday on the Isle of Wight when I was about six and it all went from there, really. I've been extremely privileged to attend three Olympic Games and I'm thoroughly looking forward to London. Andrew [Simpson] and I are working hard to give ourselves the best chance in 2012. Win, lose or draw enjoy the journey."

An extended version of the exhibition will be in St Mary's Church near the Olympic Stadium during the Games (olympicportraits.co.uk)