Heroes' welcome for SA Olympic team

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

South Africa's Olympic Games team returned home from London this morning to a heroes' welcome.

Hundreds of flag waving supporters thronged the arrivals hall at OR Tambo International airport to greet them.

Silver medallist Caster Semenya, the "Golden" rowing team of Sizwe Ndlovu, Matthew Brittain, James Thompson and John Smith and kayak bronze medalist Bridgitte Hartley all proudly displayed their medals to roars of approval from the crowd.

Gold medal swimmers Cameron v d Burgh and Chad Le Clos, who returned home last Thursday, were at the airport to meet them.

Hartley said her bronze medal felt like a gold and Semenya said she appreciated the support and would continue to strive to do her country proud.

Ndlovu said he never expected to see so many people at the airport and Thompson added that they were overwhelmed at the support they had received.

South Africa garnered six medals at the London Olympics to finish 24th on the medals table.