As the British Olympic team rack up record numbers of gold, silver and bronze prizes in Beijing, former swimming champion and silver medallist Sharron Davies has spoken about how being a first-class mum is more important than her job or sporting glory.

Sharron, who narrowly missed out on a gold medal at the Moscow Olympics 28 years ago and is currently presenting BBC coverage from China said: 'My children mean more to me than any medals. They are my greatest achievement.'

Speaking from her sprawling Cotswolds barn conversion the 45-year-old said her family is now complete.

She shares her home with her children - Elliot, 14 and Grace, ten - both from her second marriage to athlete Derek Raymond - 18-month-old Finlay and husband Tony Kingston.

Proud of their independence: Sharron Davies with her children, Elliot, 14, Grace, 10 and 18-month-old Finlay at their Cotswold home

'If I had a miracle conception it would be great, but I'm 46 this year and don't think that's likely.'

Her youngest child was born after she suffered two miscarriages during IVF treatment with her third husband Tony, who works as a pilot for British Airways.

The pair met in 1999 when Sharron was flying to Australia to film an episode of Wish You Were Here and she fell for his ambitious nature and disdain for fame.

Sharron told Hello! magazine: 'He loathes it. The last thing Tony wants is to be Mr Sharron Davis.

Working mum: Sharron (right) shows off her trim figure on the BBC's coverage from the Beijing Olympics alongside Adrian Childs and Claire Balding

'He's a great husband and dad and is brilliant at what he does. I'm very proud of him. The hardest thing he's found about taking me on is the fame aspect. That was part of his charm.

'He's happy to be himself and is happy for me to be myself. He doesn't need to bask in reflected glory and I admire and love him for that.'

As a busy working mum Sharron does not find much time to swim herself but explained how she encourages her children to keep fit.

Former glory: Sharron aged 13 pictured in 1976 with her father and coach Terry during an early morning training session prior to the Montreal Olympic Games

'I don't believe in wrapping my children in cotton wool, so they spend most of their time outdoors. I don't swim very often now, I prefer the gym as my days are so manic, but I make sure I take the children swimming regularly because it's an activity the whole family can enjoy.'

She continued: 'I try to bring my children up to be independent, to be unafraid of life and trying new things. They can cook their own tea - they're proud of their independence and it gives them confidence.'

• The full interview appears in this week's Hello! magazine, on sale now.