Witt, 44, was recently appointed as the ambassador for the BMW Group, the main corporate backer of Munich's bid to become the first city in history to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, and is also in Canada to work as a commentator for the German Broadcaster ARD at the Vancouver Games.

Touted as the "Battle of the Carmens", the event in Calgary is still vividly remembered as the much anticipated battle between Witt and American Debbie Thomas which did not transpire but instead, a spectacular performance by Manley stole the silver medal and the hearts of Canadian public, as the German retained the title she had won in Sarajevo four years earlier.

She and Witt will meet again at the GE Ice Plaza, Robson Square, as the final countdown to the Vancouver Olympics begins to gather momentum. 

Witt is due to make a series of public appearances during the Games where she will be representing BMW, who are also the official automobile partner of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

Ian Robertson, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, sales and marketing, said: "The BMW Group espouses the Olympic ideal of fair play in sporting contests.

"As the world’s most sustainable car manufacturer, we support the idea of a sustainable Olympic Games - both as automotive partner of the 2012 Games in London and as a national sponsor of the 2018 Munich bid.

"We are delighted to have Katarina Witt’s backing as an ambassador in our bid to bring the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to Munich.”

Witt was last year appointed chair the Board of Trustees leading Munich's bid.

She said: "Taking part in the Olympic Games is the dream ambition and absolute career high point of any athlete.

"I would like to do my bit to turn this dream into reality in Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen for 2018.

"I totally embrace and identify with the concept of sustainable Olympic Games that conserve natural resources and make use of existing sports facilities.

"This could be a signal from Munich for future Games.

"BMW and the Olympics - it’s an alliance that stands for sportiness, tradition, dynamism and a forward-looking approach.

"BMW and the Munich 2018 bid - it’s a perfect match."

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