Samantha Murray provided a Silver lining to Team GB’s glorious performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games by finishing second in the women’s modern pentathlon.

Murray, 22, who took Bronze at the world championships earlier this year, began the final event in fourth place but a strong run and some accurate shooting ensured she finished with a medal, and registered Team GB’s 65th of the Games.

Lithuanian athlete Laura Asadauskaite took the Olympic crown, with Yane Marques of Brazil taking Bronze, but Murray’s total score of 5356 ensured Great Britain have won a medal at four successive Olympics since the sport was added to the Olympic programme at Sydney 2000.

Murray was in fine form throughout the competition, and began well by winning 18 of her 35 one-minute fencing bouts, before a strong performance in the pool saw her finish her 200m freestyle heat just outside the Olympic record in a time of two minutes 8.20 seconds

Murray’s fellow compatriot and reigning world champion Mhairi Spence, 26, finished in 21st place with a total score of 5052 points after a disappointing final round.

"I had a lot to make up on the run, I needed that,” said Murray. “I've made a few mistakes today which set me back but I came through in the end. I'm just so pleased, my legs kept running for me. Up the hills was so steep and I just kept working hard.

Murray’s Silver is an achievement which is made all the more impressive when you consider she has only been performing at the top level of the sport for four years.

"Four years ago I was doing my A-levels at school, I'd started pentathlon but I was by no means performing on an international level,” she said.

"Since then I've come through the ranks, won some medals along the way and made it to the Olympic Games.”

"Honestly, if you have a goal - if there's anything you want to achieve in life - don't let anybody get in your way. If I can do it then you can do it. Anyone can do what they want to do," she added.