BUSINESSES backing the former Swindon Advertiser reporter Emma-Kate Lidbury have been celebrating her bronze-medal-winning performance at the World Triathlon Championships.

Emma-Kate, 27, who now works for sister paper to the Advertiser the Oxford Mail, finished third in the women's 25 to 29 age group race at the event in Hamburg, Germany, and was the fastest British woman overall.

Earlier in the season she had secured sponsorship from five companies: Triumph Lingerie in Swindon; STL Communications of Witney; property agents Savills; Newsquest, publishers of the Advertiser, the Oxford Mail and Wiltshire Business; and Chase Financial Services, of Bicester.

She has also enjoyed continued support from Oxford osteopath and sports injury specialist John Gibbons, of Peak Sporting Performance, which is based at Oxford University's Iffley Road running track.

Emma-Kate said: "I had a great race in Hamburg and a season of hard work came together to give me a brilliant result.

"I am extremely grateful to my sponsors for supporting me in the way they have. Having their financial backing as well as John's expertise has enabled me to prepare in the most professional way possible."

Brendon Cross, managing director of STL Communications said: "We are delighted to have been able to support Emma-Kate and are extremely proud of her result."

Tom Mitchell, regional newspaper sales manager for Wiltshire and Oxfordshire Newsquest said: "We were only too happy to offer Emma-Kate sponsorship.

"Her success is richly deserved and is brilliant considering the short time she has been involved in the sport."

Emma-Kate completed the Olympic distance race (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) in a time of 2hrs 15 mins 50 secs, which meant she missed out on the silver medal by two seconds.

She was only 18 seconds off gold, and her time was the seventh fastest among all age groups.

She said: "To know that I am among the top 10 female amateur triathletes in the world is an amazing feeling, but what is even better is that I know there is room for improvement."

Emma-Kate is now considering becoming a professional athlete.

"Going professional is certainly something to think about," she said. "I am looking for a long-term sponsor, so would be interested in hearing from any businesses or individuals who may be able to assist me."

Emma-Kate first took part in a triathlon back in 2005, as part of a feature for the Oxford Mail and the Oxford Times, when both papers sponsored the inaugural Blenheim Triathlon.

She is member of the Oxford Tri Club and trains for 10 to 15 hours a week, while still holding down her job in the newsroom as education correspondent.

As for the future, she has been selected to represent Great Britain again next year at the World Championships in Vancouver, Canada.

l Anyone interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities can call 01865 425403, or e-mail elidbury@nqo.com.