Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Nick Green has called on all sports and their staff to dig deep in the lead-up to London. The Chef sees the final months of preparation as crucial in Australia’s plight to meet tough medal targets.

"We need to all lift and search for that extra something," Green told 150 coaches, section managers and operational staff gathered in Sydney for the final Australian Team Management Meeting.

“We need to search for that ultimate performance and continue the ethos of our Olympic Teams since 1896. We have to continue that pursuit of excellence.”

Green understands the target of top five in gold and overall medals will not be easy but described the number of Australian fourth and fifth place finishes in 2011 as “unprecedented around the world.”

“Top five on the medal tally is a huge challenge, but achievable if we can convert our fourth and fifth places from 2011 to podiums in London,” Green said.

He cited the 2011 performances of James Magnussen, Australia’s three world champion sailing crews, track star Anna Meares and athletics as sports where Australia will surge.

“Those champion athletes bring the Team to a higher level, leading to a successful assault on the medal table,” Green explained.

“We are on pace for gold but off the pace for overall medals. We have the resources and planning in place. I am sensing momentum within the Australian Team for a strong assault.”

The battles with Great Britain in track cycling, rowing and sailing will be some of the highlights of the Games and critical for Australia to reach medal targets.

As news from the track cycling test event filtered through from London- where the Australian women’s team pursuit and team sprint teams broke world records only to have them smashed minutes later by the Brits- it was obvious the battle has already begun.

“Naturally we enjoy a very strong and sometimes icy rivalry with our British rivals,” Green said.

“We know traditionally the host nation wins more medals than before and they are a very well supported and polished Team. I can’t wait to see how that battle goes and add to the banter.”

In his first post as Chef de Mission of a senior Olympic Team, Green sought a reminder from his good friend and former Oarsome Foursome team mate Drew Ginn about what the Games mean to the athletes.

“Drew told me it is the ultimate sporting opportunity. The lure of the Games is stronger than ever before.”

Determined to make London the ultimate Games experience for a veteran like Ginn chasing his fourth gold medal or a rising star such as Magnussen chasing their first, the Australian Team will have access to an inspiring league of sportspeople.

Layne Beachley, John Eales, Kieren Perkins and Steve Waugh have been appointed to the Team as Athlete Liaison Officers (ALOs) with Laurie Lawrence on board as the Team Motivator.

“ALOs will help build confidence and ease with the athletes. And if our athletes feel this way on the start line they will perform well and we have done our job,” Green said.

AOC