Gymnast Alison Carroll brings Tomb Raider action hero Lara Croft to
life.

TAYLOR HERRING VNR -
 Meet the new face of Lara Croft: 24 year old British gymnast Alison
Carroll is bringing the hero of the Tomb Raider series to life to promote the
franchise's latest offering, 'Tomb Raider: Underworld'.
    Previously a receptionist in Croydon, Carroll will spend the next year
as the blockbuster video game's international 'spokesmodel' starring
advertising campaigns and travelling around the globe for gaming conventions
and promotions.
    Lara Croft has gone through several 'in the flesh' incarnations over
the years - most notably Oscar winner Angelina Jolie who played the video game
heroine in two Tomb Raider movies.
    Carroll, who has twelve years experience as a display gymnast and has
represented Britain, was chosen particularly for her gymnastic skills and
physical prowess to reflect the greater range of movements and athletic
capabilities that Lara Croft has in the latest game, thanks to a more advanced
all new gaming engine. 
    Certainly photo sessions so far have been more taxing than just posing
in skimpy outfits with Croft's trademark handguns. To prepare for the role she
has embarked on a gruelling training regime with everyone from choreographers
to weapons instructors for much more involved and action oriented photo shoots
- in skimpy outfits with Croft's trademark guns.
    "I feel like I'm slowly transforming into Lara now. I've had the
hair done and I've got the make-up done and I'm in the outfit and I'm ready to
take on all the action that Lara does. So it's very exciting process,"
said Carroll just before an underwater photocall.
    Tomb Raider: Underworld'  is slated for release this November.