Former Olympic gold medalist Tessa Sanderson has become a director of Brighton Bears.

The 44-year-old, who won the javelin at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, has paid an undisclosed sum to join Romek Kriwald on the board of the British League basketball club.

Kriwald, who completed the deal yesterday after nearly five months of negotiations, says Sanderson will be playing a 'major role' in the development of the franchise in Sussex.

"We're very much looking forward to the input that Tessa can bring to the Bears," he said.

Kriwald made his initial approach through a contact who uses his corporate speaking business.

Since retiring from athletics in 1992 London-based Sanderson has been heavily involved in promoting the sport and currently manages a stable of nine athletes who will all compete in this year's Olympics in Sydney.

She is the only Briton to compete in five Olympics, making her debut at Montreal in 1976.

Her duels with Fatima Whitbread caught the imagination of the British sporting public during the 1980s when she also won three Commonwealth titles, a World Cup and European Cup gold as well as making 57 international appearances.

She was awarded an MBE for her serivces to the sport in 1985 and is currently vice-chairman of Sport England.

Sanderson attended Bears' home match with Milton Keynes at the end of last season and Kriwald says she has a very keen interest in developing the sport in Sussex.

"I still have the majority of the equity, but Tessa will have a big say in how we run things and I'm looking forward to having her on board.

"She will have a big say in the way we market and promote the club as well as helping to generate sponsorship and generally aising our profile.

"She knows what the set-up is at the Bears and has already made some constructive comments.

"Personally I'm delighted this has finally been sorted out. Tessa will bring a lot of enthusiasm and expertise to the Bears and we are delighted she is on board."