Although Great Britain could qualify athletes to the 2012 Summer Olympics through host option, Sheppard was selected to compete in the zone qualifying tournament in Bratislava. She defeated Romania's Cristina Ghiță in the semi-finals to earn one of the two Olympic tickets. In the individual event she defeated teammate Sophie Troiano in the first round, but lost to World No.6 Corinne Maîtrejean of France in the second round. In the team event Sheppard, Troiano and Anna Bentley saw of Egypt in the first round, then met favourites Italy, featuring the bronze, silver and gold medallists of the individual event. Great Britain were crushed 14–42 in the quarter-finals. Sheppard finished the 2011–12 season World No.35, a career best .