Alexander Romankov and Maria Vasilevich have both been named as Star Ambassadors for the Minsk 2019 European Games ©Minsk 2019

Former Olympic fencing champion Alexander Romankov and the winner of the 2018 "Miss Belarus" beauty contest Maria Vasilevich have both been named as Star Ambassadors for the European Games in Minsk this June.

The pair have been recruited to "spread the word" about the multi-sport event set to take place in the Belarusian capital this summer.

During his career, Romankov won five Olympic medals, including foil gold at Seoul 1988 competing for the Soviet Union. 

Alexander Romankov won an Olympic gold and 10 world titles during his fencing career competing for the USSR ©Minsk 2019
Alexander Romankov won an Olympic gold and 10 world titles during his fencing career competing for the USSR ©Minsk 2019

He also won 10 world titles in individual and team events from 1977 to 1989 and was a 17-time champion of the Soviet Union.

Vasilevich, meanwhile, was chosen as Miss Belarus 2018 and went on to finish in the top five at the Miss World 2018 competition in China, the best result achieved by a Belarusian in the history of the competition.

The European Games are duel begin on June 21 and last for nine days, featuring 15 sports and more than 4,000 athletes.