 She began competing professionally in 1937 and continued until 1960, during which time she won two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and competed in four Olympics in the women's individual foil events.She was one of the first female members of the International Olympic Committee in 1982 and was created a dame in 1993.After London's successful bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics in 2005, she was active as the host nation's ambassador to the games.