Tessa Sanderson is at the centre of a drive to produce a local champion for the 2012 Games.

The gold-medal-winning javelin thrower is mentoring more than 60 gifted young athletes from the borough of Newham, which is hosting the Olympic park.

Today she called on the Government to replicate her Newham Sports Academy project across London, to give Britain the best chance of success in 2012 and beyond. The academy provides elite coaches, sports psychologists and nutritionists to work with teenagers who would normally be unable to afford such specialist attention.

Newham is one of London's poorest boroughs, with 40 per cent of households classed as low income. Sanderson - who competed in a record six consecutive Olympics and won gold at Los Angeles in 1984 - told the Evening Standard: "From the moment we won the bid, we have been determined to unearth some sporting talent from the East End and have found some extremely promising young stars.

"It would be wonderful if we could get four or five of these kids competing at the 2012

Olympics and Paralympic Games - just one gold medallist from the borough would be amazing.

"This is such a deprived area but the kids are very proud of living in Newham and want to shine. To identify talent, we have gone into areas where people have never been before and the response has been overwhelming.

"At present over 50 per cent of the British Olympic team is from higher social groups and 70 per cent from independent schools. We want this to change."

She added: "When I started out, I had to borrow my javelin shoes and could barely afford to travel to competition. These athletes we are equipping with what they need and paying for their travel."

Sanderson, 52, is lobbying the private sector and government for more funding for her scheme. "This is set up as a virtual academy where we work with the best centres in the borough," she said. "This could be affordably implemented in other boroughs, as it maximises use of existing facilities.

"Newham council has been tremendous in supporting us but we need to take this to the next level. We are hoping for some private sector money and need more support from the Government. I'd love to see these kids reach the top."

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the 2012 organising committee, has said he hopes the Games will transform London's "Third World" sports infrastructure.

Dee Doocey, chairwoman of the London Assembly's culture and sport committee, backed Sanderson: "Tessa is an inspiration and it's very clear that these young people are switched on. If you can get young people off the streets and channel their energy into sport it can be a great catalyst for achievement and empowerment.

"This is not just about 2012 - this can secure a legacy of sporting talent from London's poorer areas."

Among the teenagers signed to the academy are Matt Baptiste, 17, a discus thrower from Manor Park, and sprinter Victoria Ohuruogu, 15 - the sister of world 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, who will be competing in Beijing. Mr Baptiste said: "The academy's really helped with coaching and equipment. Each discus costs between £100 and £150 and the academy helps me travel around the country. I hope to compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games in India this year."

Miss Ohuruogu said: "I hope to be faster than my sister one day. The academy has helped a lot in training. Competing in 2012 would be a dream come true."