Sir Steve Redgrave has launched a campaign to find tall athletes to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games.

Redgrave, Minister for Sport Richard Caborn and UK Sport began the “Sporting Giants” search in Trafalgar Square.

And Redgrave told BBC News 24: “Within the sports of rowing, volleyball and handball we need people with height.

“If you pass the series of tests you will get drawn into the young start programme and will be brought through with the national team.”

UK Sport is aiming to encourage individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 of 5ft 11in or above if they are female, or males taller than 6ft 3in, to apply to their scheme.

Caborn said: “Sporting Giants will give taller athletes the chance to reach the peak of their potential by trying sports both new and old, introducing them to the high-performance environment.

“The home crowd will want to see the best of British talent when London hosts the Olympic Games in 2012. This campaign will help us to meet those high expectations.”

Tall people are looked up to. Many admire them. They themselves maybe very self-conscious of their height, but many feel it is an asset. No doubt, tall people do encounter some difficulty in movements, like they find it difficult to use public transport, or their legs stand out too tall on the bed, but in sports their presence is welcomed.