Team GB receive heroes’ welcome at Heathrow
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Team GB arrived home from the Rio 2016 Olympics at 9.55am on Tuesday, having achieved their highest medal haul of any “away” Olympics in history.
The heroic athletes flew back from Brazil on a gold-nosed BA aircraft, appropriately named ‘victoRIOus’ by the public.
Gold medallists Nicola Adams and Max Whitlock were the first to walk off the aircraft to a warm reception at Heathrow Terminal 5, as Captain Steve Hawkins waved a union flag out of the cockpit window in time-honoured tradition.
The aircraft had a valuable cargo, carrying a haul of 92 medals which weighed a total of 7.2 stone (46kg), along with 320 athletes and support staff. The special charter flight also featured the hashtag ‘#greattobeBAck’ on its livery, which the fans and athletes have been using.
“Today is a very special moment in British sporting history and for the airline too. We’re all very proud of Team GB, and it has been a pleasure to serve the athletes once again as the official airline supplier,” said Alex Cruz, BA’s chairman & CEO.
Champagne and snacks were served on the 11 hour 15 minute flight from Rio, and the passengers were treated to a full English breakfast and tea before landing. The in-flight entertainment also featured the classic sports film ‘Chariots of Fire’.
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