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Let the party begin for our Olympic heroes
TEAM GB athletes received a reception fit for superstars as they arrived back on home soil yesterday, following their sensational Tokyo 2020 medal exploits.
It began with a flag-waving guard of honour by airline staff at London’s Heathrow airport for the final competitors to return from Japan.
Britain’s greatest male and female Olympians, cycling couple Jason and Laura Kenny were among the first to step off the British Airways plane.
Bronze medallist boxer Frazer Clarke was given a huge hug by his partner Danni-Leigh Robinson and their children Trent and Mila after the 12-hour flight.
He was joined by his boxing gold medal compatriots Lauren Price and Galal Yafai, along with modern pentathlon champion Joe Choong, 26.
Unlike the triumphant Team GB homecomings in previous Olympics, Covid rules meant athletes had to make a staggered return home to the UK. Diver Tom Daley, 27, who won gold and bronze medals, returned to the UK on Sunday night. He was later seen clinking champagne glasses in the back of a car.
Jason, 33, the first UK Olympian to win seven golds, said: “The first thing I’m going to do is probably put the kettle on.”
Lauren, 27, who was raised by her grandparents, said: “The dog’s going to be all over me.
“I’m going to give my nan a big hug because I’ve been away for six weeks.”
Joe, 26, was looking forward to family time and “some home cooking”.
The Queen sent her “warmest congratulations” and is likely to host a reception for the medal heroes.
She said: “The skill, determination and hard work shown by the athletes and their support teams throughout the unique and challenging circumstances of the last year has been an inspiration to us all.”
Among those greeting the Team GB stars at Heathrow were Catherine King and her children, Ella, nine, and Oliver, five, who travelled from Buckinghamshire. Ella said: “Watching them on TV is not the same as seeing them in real life with their medals.
Oliver added: “I was really excited to see the boxer [Galal].”
The British team equalled their medal haul from the London Olympics in 2012, winning 22 golds, 21 silvers and 22 bronzes to finish fourth in the medal table behind the United States, China and Japan.
There is now a clamour to reward the Team GB heroes in the New Year’s Honours list.
British Olympic Association chairman Sir Hugh Robertson said: “They have done the country proud in the most testing circumstances.”