AFTER being left on cloud nine by her experience of London 2012, Okehampton shooter Georgina Geikie has been brought back down to earth as she claims the hunt is on for a way to continue to fund her Olympic dreams.

Gorgs, as she is known, benefits from funding by the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes programme but also grabbed the nation's attention in the summer as an Olympic athlete who also worked part-time as a barmaid the Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteignton.

The 27-year-old appeared in both pistol events in London and finished 47th out of 49 in the 10 metres competition and 37th in the 25 metres event on her first appearance at an Olympics after a bronze at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Gorgs admits memories and goodwill can't fund top-level sport – and having put her career 'on-hold' leading to 2012 it is back at the forefront of her mind.

'Post Olympics I am just trying to get my life together and see how I am going to earn some money and bring my career up to my sporting level,' she said. 'Being privately funded means I have to focus on other things than just my sport and that includes earning money.

'I am seeing if I can promote tourism in Devon and shooting as well – it is hard to find employment because I have competitions in the week, but you never know, if I could find an employer who would want to promote an athlete and their business that could be great.

'I still work in the Fingle Bridge Inn but that won't last forever, although they have been absolutely awesome with me – people are coming in now to get all the gossip.

'I want this year to find a job and get some sponsorship so when it gets into qualification time I can give myself the best chance.'

The Okehampton shooter can't wait to get back into competitive action and claims it is the start of the road to 2016 – via the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

n Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, has supported 1,000 of Britain's most talented developing athletes on their journey towards London 2012.  Its programme continues in 2013.  Follow future stars at facebook.com/

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