Blair's video of support

Britain's Olympians are being shown a special private message of support from the Prime Minister before they go for gold here in Athens.

Tony Blair has recorded a video in which he offers his support, speaking on behalf of the nation, to the squad.

Team GB officials are screening the video to each of the 271 athletes as soon as they arrive in the Olympic Village and believe it is having an inspirational effect.

British team chef de mission Simon Clegg said: "The impact on the athletes is unbelievable because, in the film, the Prime Minister is speaking on behalf of the whole country. The idea is to make the athletes feel special and to make them understand the importance of their achievement."

Team members are also being shown a video of Scottish skier Alain Baxter warning them to check any medication before taking it. Baxter was stripped of his bronze medal at the Salt Lake winter Games in 2002 after he tested positive for a minor stimulant contained in an over-thecounter cold cure.

"It really brings home to you how careful you have to be," said sailor Ben Ainslie, who is fancied to win a second gold medal to add to the one he won four years ago in Sydney.

Clegg added that all members of the British squad are having any medicines or supplements they bring to the Games thoroughly checked.

"We go through every athlete's box of medication to make sure nothing accidental can happen," said Clegg.