Olympic silver medallist Gemma Gibbons described yesterday as the best day of her life after she came from nowhere to book her place on the podium at London 2012.

The Charlton-born judoka became Britain’s first Olympic medal winner for 12 years in judo with her success, having seen off world champion Audrey Tcheumeo in a golden score showdown in the semi final.

She lost out in the final to American Kayla Harrison but the 25-year-old was still over the moon with her achievement.

“It’s a rollercoaster of everything. I feel totally, mentally and physically exhausted but it has been the best day of my life,” she explained.

“I always thought I could deliver something like this but hadn’t done. This was another chance to do it and I am just really happy.”

She continued: “I actually normally compete in the weight group below and got some good results but was just pipped by another GB girl for selection.

“So because of my good results I did have, I was given the chance to qualify for the weight above and did that.

“So actually, I don’t really have any ranking in this weight category, so it is amazing to beat the calibre of players I have today.”

And while obviously being a tremendous personal achievement for herself, the former Metro Judo Club member also spoke of what the success means to her sport.

She said: “I think it is really important for the sport. Judo doesn’t get much coverage in Great Britain but we have actually got a group of amazing players.

“Unfortunately in the last 12 years we haven’t managed to get a medal but that doesn’t mean we haven’t had players who are worthy of it – we have had numerous world and European medallists – it just hasn’t come together on that one day every four years.

“I think it is great that we can use this medal and say that we are of the standard.”

Gibbons looked drained after an enthralling battle with Tcheumeo in the semi final but having come through the fight, she paid tribute to her late mother, who died having suffered from leukaemia.

She added: “She passed away eight years ago and she was my biggest support in judo. She took me everywhere and went to all of my competitions.

“I would always like to say thank you and obviously I don’t get that opportunity so I just thought of her.”