Wimbledon’s Sophie Hosking admits she is likely to swap her oars for textbooks after hinting that she is ready to step away from rowing.

The 27-year-old became an instant hero last summer when she secured double lightweight sculls gold at London 2012 alongside Kat Copeland.

The former AFC Wimbledon ladies footballer even had the club's colours painted on her nails as she rowed to victory last summer, and has since had a post box painted gold in her honour in Worple Road in Wimbledon town centre.

But while Copeland has since reiterated her desire to carry on and compete at the next Games in Rio in 2016, Hosking has kept quiet on her future.

Hosking: "I will finalise my decision in next few months" (Video by Sportsbeat)

Hosking was absent from last weekend’s GB Rowing Team senior trials at Caversham meaning she has not been selected for the squad for the 2012-13 season.

Copeland was also absent but while she is targeting a November return, Hosking insists it is unlikely we will see her in a boat again as she pursues a law degree.

“I have taken some time out from rowing and have been doing some charity cycling events,” said Hosking.

“The team have already competed in a World Cup at Sydney and I sort of watched that because I still have a lot of friends in the team and it was great to see them go out and compete again.

“I kept an eye on how the selection races went but I don’t feel like I was missing out not being there so I am happy with my decision."

Relive the magic of Sophie Hosking and Kat Copeland winning Team GB's first gold of the London 2012 Olympics

She added: “I am going to finalise my final decision [in regards to the future] in the next few months but I am erring on the side of retirement.

“I have got a place to start studying law in September so I am going to do that. “It is going to be a nice challenge and I am excited about the opportunities it will bring.”

Hosking was talking at the launch of the National Lottery Anniversary Run, which will see more than 10,000 members of the public run in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and stadium on July 21.

This will be the first event at the iconic venue since the London 2012 Paralympic Games closing ceremony, and Hosking is adamant it is a great way to give something back to the public.

“It is great to be able to come down here and support this event and help keep up the legacy of the Games as well,” she added.

“The British public made the Games and they got behind it last summer. It is a great way to keep those memories alive.

“And it is also a great way to give something back. “The crowd at Eton Dorney was immense and really helped us rowers and this is a tiny way to say thank you to everyone.”

The National Lottery Anniversary Run will take place on Sunday July 21. Places are available via www.national lotteryrun.com.