We apologize for being a bit tardy on this story, but we were overwhelmed with all sorts of other, you know, topics and there was simply no brainpower left to sustain the debilitating power of another beauty. But alas, we’ve regenerated some energy and now we’re ready to report that 23 year old British gymnast Alison Carroll is the new “Lara Croft.” But she won’t be doing movies or anything.

She will appear at promotions and conferences in character, performing stunts such as back flips, and will play the part in TV commercials. Miss Carroll will even answer questions on chat shows as Lara, after taking a crash course in archaeology. She said: “I’ve always wanted to be an action hero.”

And since it’s not Angelina Jolie, we imagine fans will have more access to photographs with the lovely lass. Check out some of her pictures after the jump and an interview with BBC.

The new Lara Croft is unveiled as a former gymnast … from Croydon! [Daily Mail]
Images [The Improper, Daily Mail, Crunchgear]