WINDSURFER Bryony Shaw is celebrating a ‘massive campaign boost’ by the clothing company Fat Face.

Beijing bronze medallist Bryony has become the company’s sole sporting ambassador this year in a deal which culminates six years of smaller-scale support.

Weymouth’s Bryony said: “As a youngster who loved her sport, it was a great ego boost and support when I became one of their team riders at the age of 19.

“Now, aged 26 and with one Olympic medal to my name, Fat Face is a considerable financial contributor to my campaign, and this year I have become their sole sporting ambassador.”

Bryony said the novelty used to be being able to go into any Fat Face store and ‘filling her shopping bag with the latest gear for free’ and taking part in exciting catalogue photoshoots in places such as Equador.

Now that she is a full-time sportswoman, the new contract with Fat Face is much more of a ‘business relationship’.

Bryony said: “They value all my efforts with the media and the time I commit to photo shoots or appearances at brand-led events.

“But more importantly, they don’t want to detract me from my windsurfing campaign.

“I am excited with my new status, but also there is quite a bit of weight on my shoulders to try and boost Fat Face’s presence.

“However, as the media coverage of Olympic sport is increasing, as London 2012 gets ever closer, the understanding of the financial struggle of a sporting campaign is being appreciated more.”

Bryony said personal sponsors were a valuable way of getting funding to compete at the highest level.

She is excited that her photos will be increasingly used in stores up and down the country.

Follow Bryony’s progress at www.bryonyshaw.com