Sporting heroes to compete in traditional world events for BBC Two show

Gareth Thomas is one of four sporting stars appearing in True Grit

Four sporting heroes will be put to the ultimate test as they take on some of the most demanding traditional sports in the world for a new BBC Two show.

The show, with a working title of True Grit, will feature former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas, ex-GB runner Iwan Thomas, Canadian sprinter Donovan Bailey and double Superbike world champion James Toseland.

The four stars will travel the globe and go head-to-head in various sporting challenges.

They will head to Wales to tackle the Man versus Horse marathon - 21 miles of endurance running, racing against riders on horseback.

Their adventure will also take them to Turkey to compete in Turkish oil wrestling, India, where they will learn kalaripayattu, an ancient form of martial arts, and Japan, where they will have to master yabusame, which is archery from horseback.

The BBC's commissioning editor of documentaries, Maxine Watson, said: "This exciting new series for BBC Two reveals a fascinating world of competitive challenges which require our contenders to face their fears and push themselves to the limit."