High speed train

Service unveiled at St Pancras today

Southeastern will today name a high-speed Javelin train after Paralympic star and London 2012 ambassador Marc Woods.

The Marc Woods Javelin train will be unveiled by train operator bosses at St Pancras International in London and operate on the route into Kent.

He joins a host of other big name athletes to lend their names to the trains.

Mr Wood is a four-time Paralympic gold medal-winning swimmer and a former European and world champion.

Charles Horton, managing director for Southeastern said: “Marc Woods in his 17 years as a professional athlete won 12 Paralympic medals from five Games, and won gold four times. His contribution to the world of sport and his role as ambassador for the London 2012 Games is an inspiration to us all and we’re proud of our association with Marc.”

Some 12 of the 29 Javelin trains have been formally named. The first ever unit was named after Dame Kelly Holmes, who won two gold medals for her running in the 2004 Olympic Games.

Mr Woods said: “This is truly a great honour. I’ve spent years swimming up and down the pool trying to be the best I could be and pursuing the path to gold, I never expected to see my name on the side of a Javelin® train.”

Southeastern will operate the Javelin service during the London 2012 Games.