YOU'RE still a champion to us Amy.

That was the message to Olympian Amy Wilson Hardy as she narrowly missed out on a medal in the rugby sevens.

The 24-year-old from Angmering was pictured in tears at the end of the bronze medal match against Canada as Team GB were beaten 33-10.

But despite falling short of the podium, Amy is ensured a hero's return when she flies home.

Susan Francis, chairwoman of Angmering Parish Council, said the village is incredibly proud.

She said: "The Olympics is like an event way up in the clouds and to have someone from Angmering even there is an incredible achievement.

"I think Amy has done so well and is a real hero. We are all so proud of her."

Yesterday Amy and the rest Team GB carried out their media duties as they attempted to overcome the disappointment of the previous night.

Speaking from Rio, her mother Frances Hardy said: "I'm so proud of all the girls but also incredibly disappointed that they missed out on the medal.

"They worked so hard and have sacrificed so much.

"Amy is exhausted and hugely disappointed but is also a fighter so she will bounce back, I know, to face the next challenge with her usual courage and tenacity.

"And she is now an Olympian and that is a feat in itself."

Frances has been out in Brazil with Amy's stepdad Iain Swalwell, her auntie Annie and cousin Freya.

A tearful Amy speaking at pitch-side after the loss said: "It's hard but it makes it that little bit easier that there is somebody to go and hug and cry on their shoulder. They go through the good times and bad time with you."

Amy was one of the stars as Team GB made light work of their group games beating Brazil, Canada and Japan.

They looked set for a medal after crushing the much fancied Fijians in the quarter finals but lost to New Zealand in the semis.

The team then had just a couple of hours to regroup for the bronze medal match against Canada - but they had already beaten them in the group stages so the signs were good.

However the Canadians took the bronze with a 33 points to ten victory leaving Team GB heartbroken.

Messages of support flooded in within minutes of the loss with, among others, Amy's former team Worthing Rugby Club taking to Facebook to tell of their pride.

Accompanied with a photo of her in action, the message said: "Everyone at Worthing RFC is so proud of you Amy!! A semi finalist in the Olympic Games in a sport that has made its debut!!"

Speaking before flying out to Rio, Amy told The Argus that one of her goals was to showcase the sport and inspire others to take it up.

And she has certainly achieved that with huge viewing figures and plenty of column inches.

In particular her nude shoot for Women's Health magazine, which featured in yesterday's Argus, has been reprinted around the world, including in Rio.

Mrs Francis added: "We are all so proud of her. We can't wait for her to come home."