ANY athlete that reaches Olympic Games level needs consistent and reliable support.

Rowing ace Emily Ford is no different, and therefore the former Grange School student from Holmes Chapel has spoken of her gratitude for the backing from a Cheshire business ahead of Paris 2024.

It will hopefully help her to continue making a mark on the sport in which other old brother Tom also competes at international level.

Tokyo Olympian Ford, 28, who competes with Leander Club, made history last month when she and partner Esme Booth became the first British women to qualify two boats at the same regatta for an Olympics.

That resulted from them placing third in the women’s pair B final then fourth with Natasha Morrice, Rebecca Edwards, Lauren Irwin, Karen Bennett, Hattie Taylor, Annie Campbell-Orde and cox, Henry Fieldman, in the women’s eight A final of the World Rowing Championships in Serbia.

With boats qualified, Ford, who has won gold medals at World Cups and European Championships, has a tough winter of training ahead to get herself in the best shape for showing the Team GB selectors that she merits her place in one or two of the boats when the Olympic regatta arrives.

This is where her link-up with breakfast company Mornflake comes into play, a brand she is associated with in her training regimes.

“Gaining sponsorship in the current economic climate is tough but Mornflake has kindly offered cash support and lots of lovely Mornflake oats to help towards my training and Paris goals,” said Ford.

“As a Cheshire girl, I’ve grown up seeing the mill in Crewe and use Mornflake Mighty Oats every day to make overnight oats for my second breakfast between training sessions.

“Training takes a huge amount of energy and I know many athletes are fans of Mornflake cereals. It’s a great British brand in every sense which is a perfect fit for me as I look forward to representing my country.”

Mornflake managing director James Lea said: “It’s nice to hear our cereals are helping Emily train for the Olympics. All credit to her for qualifying (boats) for Team GB. We are delighted to help her on her way to Paris.”