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British athletes bring back record haul

Britain’s most successful Olympic team in 100 years returned home on Monday to prepare for a host of very British honors — open-top bus tours, a reception at Buckingham Palace and the renaming of a pub.

Although fans were warned away from Heathrow Airport on security grounds, some families came to meet the athletes at a nearby hotel.

Athletes said they were still surprised at their 47-medal haul, Britain’s best performance since 1908.

“[It has not] sunk in yet,” said Nicole Cooke, 25, who won gold in the road cycling event.

Cooke said she was off to her native Wales for an open-bus tour to celebrate.

Team Great Britain flew from Beijing to London on a specially commissioned British Airways Boeing 747, fitted with a gold nose and stocked with extra champagne.

‘SIPPING THE CHAMPERS’

Gold medal middleweight boxer James Degale, 22, described the 10-hour flight as “just sitting back chilling, sipping the champers.”

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was at the airport to greet the Olympians, who will also meet Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on Oct. 16 during the official day of celebrations.

British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Colin Moynihan has already said he is considering cash awards for the medal-winning athletes.

Double gold medalist Rebecca Adlington has already received the most distinctive honor.

Her local pub in the English city of Mansfield will be renamed “The Adlington Arms.”

Its owners said the 19-year-old swimmer could always eat there for free.
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