Olympian and gold medallist Jonathan Edwards came face-to-face with his alter ego at London King’s Cross Station - a life-sized sculpture commissioned by East Coast made entirely from used train parts. Created by award-winning sculptor Ptolemy Elrington, the gleaming work of art was unveiled in the new Western Concourse ahead of a station tour along the East Coast Main Line to raise awareness of rail travel to London this summer.

Comprising around 150 different components from diesel and electric trains, the sculpture is a dedication to the Olympic gold medal winning triple jumper and captures the iconic image of him parading a Union Jack flag after his 2000 victory at the Sydney Games.

Jonathan Edwards said: “The sculpture is very striking and really took me aback when I first saw it.  It’s incredible to think it was possible to create such a structure from old bits of train, but it has been crafted brilliantly.

“I am honoured that East Coast has commissioned the piece, which will be displayed at a number of stations over the next few weeks – it’s sure to increase the sense of anticipation for the Olympics this summer.”

Karen Boswell, Managing Director of East Coast, said: “We are delighted to unveil this tribute to Jonathan who is arguably one of the country’s most iconic sporting figures.  The sculpture captures the moment he won gold in Sydney in 2000.

“As an Olympian and the current triple jump World Record Holder, he is an athletics legend and someone we can all be very proud of.”

Weighing 350kg and including brake pads, springs, seat frames and bolts, the sculpture took two weeks to build with all parts sourced from East Coast’s engineering depots across the UK.  It will embark on a tour of key stations along the East Coast Main Line on the following dates:

• Tuesday 19 June – Monday 25 June – Newcastle station
• Tuesday 26 June-Tuesday 4 July – Edinburgh Waverley station