The first welcome home of many others took place in Sydney recently.
After a reception at Kirribilli House hosted by the Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, the athletes crossed the harbour by boat to be welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd at the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House. After official welcomes by the Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the Premier Mike Baird, the athletes plunged themselves into the crowds, signing autographs, and posing for selfies.
No-one was left disappointed as the athletes took their time mingling with the public and the occasional family member and friend.
In a deliberate move to emphasise their equality no medal winners wore their ‘bling’.
Culture was not forgotten as plumed Samba dancers symbolising the Rio De Janeiro return to the beating of the giant Japanese drum,. to Kurinuki Taiko heralding the 2020 Tokyo Games.
