Picture by Nick Middleton

ERICA Bodman’s hopes of reaching the 2016 Olympics have been boosted by the donation of a bespoke new boat.

Since swapping high jump for rowing, the 23-year-old (pictured) has been using a second-hand boat but after being chosen as a Rising Star by the Guernsey Sports Commission, she was asked by treasurer Dave Warr what support she needed.

‘This is a full-time commitment and so living costs was obviously a priority for me, but I said that I also needed a new boat as mine was eight years old and there were cracks beginning to show, which impacted the strength of the structure,’ she said.

‘I never for one second imagined that he would find someone who could help, but he spoke to Jeremy Rihoy who agreed that JW Rihoy & Son would fund the cost of buying a bespoke singles boat for me.’

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