Shirley Robertson waves from an Olympic float at Trafalgar Square. (AFP)

London, Nov. 14: Shirley Robertson, the first woman in history to win two Olympic gold medals for sailing, will switch from the open seas to the catwalk tomorrow when she makes her debut as a model.

At 36, the British sportswoman has decided to develop her career outside sailing and do some work as a fashion model and television presenter.

Robertson, who won gold medals at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and in Athens this year, was one of the so-called ?three blondes on a boat? who sailed to victory in the Yngling sailing class this summer with crewmates Sarah Ayton and Sarah Webb.

She decided last week that she would continue her quest for competitive glory at sea, but would combine it with a career outside the sport. Her first steps on the catwalk will be for the Chester Bonham fashion company at the Aston Martin showroom off Park Lane, central London.

The bespoke range is owned by Sue Chester, a fashion designer, and her husband Nick Bonham, the auctioneer.

?I have known Sue Chester for a long while ? we have houses on Cowes ? and she is always immaculately dressed,? said Robertson, who acknowledges that her time as a model will be limited. ?I recognise that I am 36. Most fashion houses if they were choosing to show off their clothes would probably go for a younger model. I am not saying it is a long-term career.

?I love the idea of owning something that is made just for you. It is real clothes for real people. Sue makes classic pieces that will last forever and I like the way she actually sews things herself and does not just fly clothes in from places like India.?

Robertson said she is going to join BBC South for ?general work experience?. ?I am keen to get a grounding in the media profession. I?ve done a bit of commentary...?