Rankin's Olympic-inspired photos on display at free exhibition

Heptathlete Louise Hazel won Gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Photo: Rankin/LOCOG/PA Wire

Rankin, the photographer famed around the world for his compelling portraits, has turned his camera to the legacy of the London 2012 Games.

Photographs taken to capture the inspirational power of sport include shots of London 2012 chairman and two-time Olympic gold medallist Lord Coe, former 110m hurdles world record holder Colin Jackson, 11-time Paralympic athletics champion Baroness Grey-Thompson and heptathlete Louise Hazel.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has 11 Paralympic Gold medals. Credit: Rankin/LOCOG/PA Wire

The Inspired by Sport exhibition at the Museum of London also includes images, taken by a host of international photographers, of young people around the world who have been involved in London 2012's International Inspiration programme.

Lord Coe won Olympic 1500m Gold in 1980 and 1984. Credit: Rankin/LOCOG/PA Wire

The scheme hit its target of reaching a million children in 20 countries and boosting their lives through sport and play in February this year.

Sport and play is being used to make an difference in their lives as they face issues which can range from gender inequality, gang violence, lack of educational opportunities, to HIV/Aids education and intercultural awareness in countries from Azerbaijan to Zambia.

Lord Coe said:

Inspired by Sport is celebrating the huge achievements of International Inspiration and captures how sport can be a real change for good.

I'm very proud that London 2012 is enabling positive change to happen to millions of children and young people around the world.

I have been lucky enough to have met some of the young people being reached through the programme and to have seen how it is providing them with more opportunities in life.

Young children taking part in a survival swimming lesson at a village in Narsingdi, central Bangladesh. Credit: Jamie Niblock / LOCOG/PA Wire

London 2012 deputy chairman Sir Keith Mills said:

Having now achieved our original objectives and made such an impact, it's important now for us to focus on continuing and expanding this extraordinary programme as a real legacy from the London 2012 Games.

Unicef, the British Council and UK Sport are all working together on the programme.Inspired by Sport is free and runs from May 2-13.