John Lewis customers can say they have been served by an Olympic medallist, if one menswear assistant achieves her 2012 dream.

Gemma Turtle, from Hampton Wick, started running aged eight, when she joined a cross country club, and caught the bug after getting a bronze medal in her first race.

The 5km (3-mile) runner realised it was what she was meant to do when she won silver at an English Schools’ Athletic Association event, then came third in an international event.

She said: “My development was stunted when I moved to university due to injury. However, I did make it to the European cross-country championships where Great Britain won team gold.

“It was amazing, it made me realise how much running meant to me and the desire to achieve more was evident.”

Further injury left her unable to train, but tested her resilience, and she is now back up to running 90 miles a week in training.

She said: “I’m looking forward to progressing and with 2012 fast approaching, my coach and I are working hard to maximise my potential, which includes altitude training, and of course looking after my body and keeping myself healthy."

Miss Turtle was at the Kingston John Lewis store on Wednesday, July 26, to help hand out badges marking one year to the games.