Mother and father, Paul and Christine Ford, can hardly contain the excitement after two of their children got a gold and bronze in this year's Olympics.  

The Holmes Chapel-based parents were in Paris to watch siblings Emily and Tom Ford who are part of the GB's rowing team in the men's and women's 8's. 

Yesterday (Saturday) Paul and Christine, who are there with the siblings' elder brothers and extended family, watched the rowing superstars race to victory in their respective finals.  

Paul, who went to Sandbach School in his youth, told Nub News: "We're all absolutely delighted that both Emily and Tom have have done so well."

Tom Ford's team won gold in the final of the 8s racing and his sibling Emily's team won bronze in their final.

Paul said before yesterday's race: "We expect the margins to be extremely fine, and, as always, 8s racing is always quite the spectacle." 

But the couple, both former chairs and joint treasurers of Sandbach Young Farmers' Club, are used to Tom and Emily Ford's success. 

In the last Olympics in Tokyo, Tom Ford got a bronze in the men's eight and although Emily competed her team was sadly knocked out in the heats.  

"The mental and physical preparation for an Olympic appearance takes years, and involves significant sacrifices and forbearance" Paul told us in our previous story here

Tom and Emily Ford after their last Olympic appearances. (Photo: Paul Ford)

"Emily will often say "bear with…." as she hurriedly consults her diary when we're trying to arrange a few days, or sometimes just hours together. 

"Setbacks are a very real and constant part of the training and selection process. Elite sport is by nature a meritocracy, as such the athletes' performances are constantly measured and compared with other members of the squad - and that does mean disappointment for some amidst elation for others. 

Christine and Paul Ford and keeping their fingers crossed for Saturday. (Photo: Paul Ford)

"They say - better never stops." 

And it's not just family and friends who are wishing the siblings well tomorrow – Holmes Chapel Parish Council has also sent its best wishes. 

"Siblings Emily and Tom Ford are from our village and are representing the UK in the Olympics. 

"We send them our very best wishes for a successful Olympic campaign." 

Nub News also sends them best wishes and will be keeping readers informed. Good luck Tom and Emily!   

Want to know more about Sandbach?

Sign up for our newsletter here

You can also find us on Facebook here and Twitter here with daily updates