Smith won the National Lottery's Games Brain final - the ultimate test of Olympic and Paralympic Games knowledge - as she defeated eight other contestants to earn a holiday of a lifetime to 2000 Olympic Games host city Sydney.

Smith said: "I'm over the moon; I can't believe I've won.

"The quiz was really tough and all the other contestants were really quick off the mark.

"I was in shock when I was announced the winner.

"I've enjoyed every minute of the day and it's been a great experience.

"I've always loved watching the Olympics, so when I saw the quiz on the National Lottery website I just entered for a bit of fun.

"To come away as a national winner is fantastic.

"I haven't told my work colleagues why I've been away this week so I can't wait to go back and tell them I've won!"

Smith was chosen for the final from over 10,000 competitors who took part in the Games Brain of Britain quiz, which was launched online in April this year and took to the roads with a regional tour to find the UK's expert in all things Olympic and Paralympic.

The national final took place just outside the Olympic Park in Stratford and was hosted by Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave and TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher.

Sir Steve told insidethegames: "That was a really tough quiz and I barely knew the answers to any of those questions.

"We had an incredible response to the Games Brain quiz, so for Karen to get over the final hurdle and beat some of the top Olympic and Paralympic brains in the country proves is an unbelievable achievement.

"The Lottery is contributing £2.2 billion for London 2012 and Games Brain has been a great way of getting people excited about the Games."

Gallacher added: "Congratulations to Karen on winning.

"The competition was really tough, with all the contestants demonstrating amazing Olympic and Paralympic knowledge, so Karen has definitely earned the title."

Gymnast Beth Tweddle, who claimed gold in Rotterdam last week, and double Paralympic gold medallist wheelchair racer David Weir were also there to witness Smith's victory.

Meanwhile there was further good news for the physiotherapist, as with only one day left for the public to apply to become a London 2012 Games Maker volunteer, she will be offered a guaranteed interview.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: "I'm thrilled to see how many people have put their knowledge of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the test.

"It just confirms how enthusiastic people are about the Games.

"I hope that, pending their availability and eligibility, the winner will be able to bring their incredible knowledge to London 2012 if they become a Games Maker."

To date, more than £500 million ($792 million) has been raised by lottery players for London 2012 through sales of its specially-designated games, including Dream Number, certain Scratchcards and all interactive instant win games.

The National Lottery aims to raise £750 million ($1.2 billion) for London 2012 through sales of such games, part of a wider lottery contribution of £2.2 billion ($3.5 billion).

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