Holmes Chapel-based parents, Paul and Christine Ford, couldn't be prouder of Tom and Emily Ford who recently arrived back from the Tokoyo Olympics. Tom got bronze in the men's eight and sadly Emily was knocked out in the heats but both thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

What's it like to be so involved with such a big event? Mum and dad Christine and Paul Ford are former Chairs and joint treasurers of Sandbach Young Farmers' Club so are used to being in the limelight and Paul is a former pupil of Sandbach School.

"Tom and Emily's appearances in the Men's and Women's Eights rowing events at Tokyo 2020 have been a source of immense pride, not just for the family but also within the North West rowing community, the Grange School and Newcastle University where both studied and rowed with considerable success domestically and at international level. We take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to all of those who coached them, " said Paul.

"You probably wouldn't know anything about their Olympic appearances if you walked through Holmes Chapel at the moment, although we suspect there may well be something to mark the occasion shortly.

"They're both back in the UK, as they had to leave Japan no later than 48 hours after their final race, and they talk of the Olympic Games being a truly awesome and overwhelming experience, one marked by travelling with British Airways as VIPs, rubbing shoulders and dining with their idols, of new and wholly unexpected friendships, and of course competing alongside the very best in the world.

"Whilst it has been an unusual and controversial Olympic Games - the Japanese have been wholeheartedly welcoming, accommodating and generous - there were no spectators of course, and none of the athletes were allowed out of the athlete village into Tokyo.

"Under normal circumstances they'd have stayed in country, for a good few days at least, both to spectate at other events and to experience local cultures. Emily marked her homecoming with a low key appearance in the Henley Town and Visitor's Regatta as part of a Blue Star (Newcastle University Alumni) Boat Club Women's Eight the day after she returned.

"The mental and physical preparation for an Olympic appearance takes years, and involves significant sacrifices and forbearance – "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.

"We're now planning a party to celebrate - not just Olympic appearances, but also the other significant family moments that have passed quietly by during the last few years. It's time to let our hair down a little, to relax, recuperate, regroup and see a little more of those closest.

"Training is all consuming, Monday to Friday, and Saturday until around 1pm at The Redgrave Pinsent rowing lake at Caversham, near Reading, home to, and training base for The GB Rowing Team. Training involves on water sessions, alongside periods in the gym, and cross training.

"Water sessions typically start around 7am, and finish around midday, with a break for 'second breakfast' mid-morning. Dependent on the current program, the training continues after lunch until around 4pm. Sunday is a well-earned day of rest.

"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. They say "better never stops".

"Imagine if you can - being told on the 19th March 2020 that you've been selected to compete at Tokyo 2020, and the immense relief and euphoria that comes with that news, only to be told just two days later that in light of the spread of Covid 19 - "You're all going home for the foreseeable future".

"They spent lockdown in Cheshire, training as much as possible amidst the mounting uncertainty as to whether or not the Olympics would proceed.

"They were both at home for a few days, and we enjoyed a lovely dinner out the other evening - there may even have been some bubbly! They're both now back in Henley- on-Thames, so whilst their training is suspended for a few months, they'll spend some time enjoying the upcoming Henley Royal Regatta ,as spectators, planning future adventures, focussing on their relationships, and they may even start to think about Paris 2024 and beyond. Holidays have been planned - one involves a coastal rowing event in Portugal - just for fun of course.

"Neither of us are rowers, but we've been extremely fortunate to bring up a family of four very respectful and well respected rowers. Our eldest boys John and Edward (twins) were Captains at The Grange, and at Durham and Newcastle Universities respectively, their results were impressive. Tom and Emily also both enjoyed periods as captain at both school and university.

"Life in our family was just one big contest - each trying to quietly be just that little bit better than their sibling. Their talents were identified at The Grange - where sport was always high on the agenda, and once at secondary level, the school encouraged a year or so of trying your hand at whatever sports took your fancy before specialising in one or perhaps two a year or so later. Constructive sibling rivalry has worked well for them all.

"During their periods at home they have use of two rowing machines, and whilst we don't have a gym, we do have a home-built squat cage and pull-up bench - both early products of Lockdown 1. Cycling has become a firm favourite with all four - and when at home they'll often go out for a 100Km (60 miles) ride - the Peak District a firm favourite for a fast and challenging workout.

"They both have voracious appetites in training, and for them to compete effectively we've instilled a belief in good quality food.

"There is no special diet - but there's plenty of variety in everything, eggs, chicken and fish alongside generous portions of fresh vegetables feature constantly. Fast food is very much an occasional thing - perhaps a handful of occasions annually.

"They both have a weakness for Mandeville's bakery in the village - the Low GI bread, egg custards, gingerbread men and battenberg cakes are notable favourites."