Team GB 'overwhelmed' by heroes' welcome after returning home from Rio Olympics

Ben Morgan23 August 2016

Mark England, Team GB chef de mission, said the greetings at Heathrow were 'overwhelming' after they returned from Rio.

The Great Britain squad touched down at approximately 10:00am this morning at Heathrow Airport following their record-breaking exploits in Brazil on a specially chartered British Airways jumbo jet.

Reacting to their welcome, England said: "It gave an immediate sense of the enormity of the achievement British athletes have posted in Rio.

"We are on record as saying when we entered the games we had high hopes for success for the most talented team we've ever taken away."

"The succession of 27 gold medals was incredible to witness and culminated in us finishing second in the medal table to China."

Adam Peaty, 21, won the first gold medal for Team GB in the 100m breaststroke and his grandmother Mavis has become a cult favourite with fans.

He said: "She's got her own hash tag now. She's changed already!"

He said the enormity of the achievements were only just sinking in.

In Pictures: Team GB's medal run at Rio 2016 Olympics

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He said: "When you are in the village you're in a bubble. (I was) lucky enough to be in one of the first events to get that momentum."

He was watching at home during London 2012 but now hopes other young people will be inspired to take up swimming.

He added: "I watched London 2012 on television and during the opening ceremony I wanted to be part of the team."

He also told reporters he had dreamed of picking up an honour from Buckingham Palace but 'others deserve it more'.

He said: "It's one thing I've always wanted as a kid. Even a member of the British empire sounds pretty cool.

"I'm hugely patriotic, I love the royal family and I love what we've achieved in history. "

Katherine Grainger, a medal winner in five consecutive games, said: "The reaction at Heathrow has been phenomenal which is a small taste of what it will be like going back home.

How Team GB fared across the Sports at Rio 2016 Olympic Games

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"It's been a tough year for the country. A lot happened politically in the nation for the last few months but sport lifts people.

"The time and place means this is probably one of the best sporting results we ever had."

Alistair Brownlee took gold in the triathlon ahead of younger brother Jonny.

The Yorkshire siblings are now targeting a two month holiday before resuming their training.

Both hope to compete in 2020 in Japan.

Alistair said: "it's hard because you spend a lot of time travelling. So will be spending time at home. We both want to go skiing, so we will go skiing somewhere."

His brother, who won silver, added: "I'm looking forward to fish and chips. I've not had that for a few months and it's probably my favourite meal.

"We live healthily and the food in Brazil was really good. But yeah, I'm dying for some fish and chips."

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