UK NEWS

A NATION ON CLOUD NINE AS OUR MEDAL HEROES TOUCH DOWN

Our Olympic stars arrive back at Heathrow

Tuesday August 26,2008

By David Pilditch

Britain’s Olympic stars flew home yesterday to a heroes’ welcome and an emotional reunion with their families.

There were tears and cheers as our triumphant athletes arrived back after making history in Beijing with the nation’s most successful Games for 100 years.

The team jetted into Heathrow shortly after 3pm on a special British Airways Boeing 747, which had been fitted with a gold-coloured nose cone for the occasion.

Among the precious cargo was Team GB’s incredible haul of 47 medals, including 19 golds, which meant the return flight was carrying an extra 44lb in medals alone.

On landing, the athletes were greeted by a jubilant crowd waving Union flags as they stepped on to the tarmac wearing their medals round their necks. They were then taken to a nearby hotel where their loved ones were waiting.

The whole thing has been a fantastic experience

Swimming sensation Rebecca Adlington

Swimming sensation Rebecca Adlington, 19, jumped into the arms of boyfriend Andy Mayor, 22, as the couple were reunited.

Rebecca, who won two gold medals, told how she was looking forward to a huge party being held in her honour in her home town of Mansfield, Notts.

She will then head off on a Mediterranean cruise with Andy – before going back to her gruelling training regime.

She said: “The whole thing has been a fantastic experience. The team has just been so amazing. It has been a huge honour to be part of it.

“I can’t wait to go home now and just relax. I’m looking forward to my own bed and my mum’s roast dinner.”

Boxing gold medallist James DeGale, 22, was overjoyed after his mother Diane, 50, broke off a holiday in Cyprus to meet him.

He said: “She got a flight this morning to be here. I had no idea. That’s was one of the best surprises I could have had – almost as good as winning the gold. The team did brilliantly. I’m so proud of them and proud of myself. I’m going to celebrate with a cup of tea and a biscuit when I get home.”

Cycling star Chris Hoy, 32, said: “It’s quite overwhelming really. It’s just the most incredible reception.”

Chris, the first Briton to win three Olympic medals at the same Games in 100 years, said: “If we can build on this and get behind the London 2012 Games, it will be great.”

A victory parade for the athletes will be held in London on October 16.