London 2012: Frankie Jones Heathrow Airport sculpture

It is one of a series of Olympic themed artworks to go on show at Terminal Five's Expo Fine Art Gallery

A sculpture in honour of rhythmic gymnast Frankie Jones has been unveiled at Heathrow Airport as part of the build-up to the London 2012 Games.

The 21-year-old five-time British champion is being tipped as one of the UK's Olympic medal hopes.

She lives in Northampton, but competes for Wales due to her father's roots in Pontypool, Torfaen.

It is one of a series of Olympic-themed artworks to go on show at terminal five's Expo Fine Art Gallery.

Jones was present for the unveiling of the carbon fibre resin sculpture by artist Eleanor Cardozo.

It includes a plaque stating: "This sculpture is dedicated to Francesca Jones, whose youth and talent embodies the Olympic spirit and the promise of a generation."

Jones, who earned a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games in 2010, said: "Rhythmic gymnastics combines the beauty of ballet with the discipline of gymnastics and is rapidly growing in popularity in the UK and around the world.

"The exhibition is a huge honour and will allow us to further raise the profile of this Olympic sport to an international audience and perhaps even inspire the rhythm gymnasts of future Olympic Games."

The series has previously included a wire mesh sculpture of diver Tom Daley and a work in bronze depicting Paralympic gold medallist Lee Pearson.