A maths teacher who never played sport in her life has become part of an unique experiment which could see her compete at the London 2012 Olympics.

For years 29-year-old Natasha Hunt had avoided taking part in any recreational physical activity.

But a chance encounter at Lewes Leisure Centre in Mountfield Road six months ago has seen her take on an Olympian challenge which has transformed her life.

She has become part of a quest set up by fitness instructor Robert Parsons, 36, to try to get an ordinary member of the public to qualify for the Olympic Games Her days of laziness have given way to twice-daily training sessions under the supervision of some of the best coaches in Britain as she bids for a place in the GB Modern Pentathlon team.

Natasha, from Southease, near Lewes, said: "I started going to the gym because I was feeling unfit and somehow ended up doing this. It has been a bit of an unusual experience to say the least."

Mr Parsons had been looking for a guinea pig for his experiment to see whether athletes owed their success to nature or nurture.

He and Miss Hunt got chatting at the gym and she volunteered to take part.

The quirky plan has already attracted widespread attention, with two TV production companies and four channels bidding to record her progress as she puts the theory into practice.

The pair insist they are deadly serious about the bid, which has already been endorsed by the management of the GB Modern Pentathlon team.

Miss Hunt, who works at Oakwood School in Horley, Surrey, said: "There's no reason I can't make it with enough hard work. It is a competitive sport, only the best in Europe can qualify for the games, but I am convinced I can do it."

She has been training for 18 hours a week, before and after work, and taking tips from top experts in the event’s five disciplines: fencing, shooting, running, swimming and show jumping.

What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced? Tell us below.