Kurt Fearnley has been revealed as the fourth official ambassador for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

Australian wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley has been announced as the fourth official Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ambassador.

The announcement was made by the Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Stirling Hinchliffe, at a public event in the Southport Broadwater Parklands hosted by Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimming champion Brooke Hanson.

The five-time Paralympian was born without the lower portion of his back, but has managed to have a successful sporting career regardless.

Fearnley has competed at five consecutive Paralympic Games from Sydney 2000 to Rio 2016.

He was won three gold medals, two in the men's T54 marathon at both Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 as well as the men's T54 5,000 metres in the Greek capital 12-years-ago.

The 35-year-old has also won seven Paralympic silver medals and three bronzes, along with four International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championship titles.

Fearnley, who also won gold in the men's 1500 T54 race at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, joins hurdles champion Sally Pearson, swimming star Cameron McEvoy and cycling legend Anna Meares in the role.

The group will assist the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) with promotion of the Games, which are scheduled to be held between April 4 and 15 in 2018.

"It’s incredible to share the Gold Coast 2018 dream alongside fellow ambassadors Sally Pearson, Cam McEvoy and Anna Meares," said Fearnley.

Kurt Fearnley won gold at the New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images
Kurt Fearnley won gold at the New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

"It will be an historic Games, with the largest integrated Para-sport programme ever at a Commonwealth Games.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for Para-athletes across the Commonwealth to compete."

To mark the occasion, Fearnley was presented with a commemorative surfboard - an iconic keepsake of the Gold Coast lifestyle.

"It is only fitting that Kurt officially joins the family," said GOLDOC's chief executive officer, Mark Peters.

"He has been a strong supporter of Gold Coast 2018 for a number of years now and is the ideal person to help promote our event.

"With the largest integrated Para-sport programme at a Commonwealth Games it was important to have an ambassador that represented the Para-athlete cohort and Kurt is the perfect fit.

"I’m sure everyone will be excited to see Kurt go around one more time at a major sporting event, especially being on Australian soil in front of his family and friends."