Samantha Murray wins silver in modern pentathlon and says 'anyone can do it if they try hard enough'

 
Silver for Samantha: Murray celebrates after the fencing event in the Women's Modern Pentathlon Picture: Getty Images
Getty
12 August 2012

The final member of Team GB to earn a medal at the Olympic Games said today anyone can pick up a gong if they try hard enough.

Samantha Murray earned Team GB its final medal as she picked up a silver in the modern pentathlon.

The 22-year-old finished in second position behind Lithuania's Laura Asadauskaite.

Murray went into the final event, the combined run and shoot, in fourth place but overhauled Brazil's Yane Marques and Amelie Caze of France to finish second behind Lithuanian winner Asadauskaite, the final gold medallist of the London Games.

Marques held on for the bronze but there was disappointment for Britain's world champion Mhairi Spence, who had a difficult day and finished well down the field.

After the race, she said: "I had a lot to make up on so I needed that run. I've made a few mistakes today which set me back in the field but I came through in the end and my shooting was reasonably good as well. I'm just so pleased.

"My legs kept running for me and I'm so happy. The hills as well were so steep and I just kept working really hard."

Murray hoped her performance would inspire others.

She said: "Honestly, if you have a goal, anything you want to achieve in life, don't let anybody get in your way, you can do it.

"There are so many people and so many things that will feel like they're trying to set you back but honestly, find the path you want to take in life and follow it, stick to it because if I can do it - I'm a normal girl - anybody can do anything they want to do."

Samantha, from Clitheroe in Lancashire, was ranked 78th in the world in February but has had a stunning season, capped off by a superb performance in Greenwich Park today.

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