Our greatest Games ever!
THE head of Team GB last night hailed the nation’s ‘greatest ever’ Olympics and heaped praise on Britain’s ‘magnificent’ athletes.
In a stirring interview as the Rio Games drew to a climax, chef de mission Mark England spoke of how Britain’s performance ‘without question’ surpassed the heroics of London four years ago.
For a country the size of Britain to finish second to the USA in the medals table – our highest ever position – and above China was, he added, ‘nothing short of extraordinary. We are now a powerhouse of world sport.’
At the Atlanta Olympics 20 years ago, GB came away with just one gold medal and finished a pitiful 36th – behind Algeria and Norway.
Mr England spoke as Mo Farah prepared to add to his tally of three Olympic golds by attempting to win the 5,000m and cap a remarkable fortnight for Britain’s 366 athletes – 175 fewer than competed at London 2012. Despite the slimmed-down squad, Britain still managed to match the medals haul and achieve success across a wider range of sports.
No country has ever gone from hosting the Games to better or match its performance four years on, or even come close.
Mr England said other nations, including Australia, which has had one of its most disappointing Olympics for years, have been in contact with him, desperate to learn from Britain’s success, though he promised he had given ‘no secrets away’. Yesterday brought yet more glory, including a historic second gold medal for boxer Nicola Adams, gold for kayaker Liam Heath and bronze for Vicky Holland in the women’s triathlon event.
Mr England added: ‘I have no doubt this is our greatest ever Games. The collective team effort has been outstanding – we have had so many firsts, so many greatest ever performances. But it’s not just about medals. It was about the big moments at home to inspire people, those moments where you get millions of people screaming at the TV.
‘At this moment in time, 36 hours before the closing ceremony, it is time to really celebrate what 366 athletes have done. It is better than it has ever been before and it is more successful than it has ever been before. It has been a more challenging environment than it has ever been before.
‘It is unprecedented and extraordinary. We have been excited to watch athletes compete and we have been thrilled with the outcome.’
THE astonishing success of Team GB at the Rio Olympics, where almost every day brings a new triumph, should lift all our hearts.
Our athletes are equalling the recordbreaking performance of 2012. The daily tally of medals has brought together the four nations of this onceagain United Kingdom in a glorious celebration of national unity, endeavour and selfless team effort which goes some way towards healing the wounds of Brexit – making us all equally proud to be under the same flag.