Aussie Olympians officially welcomed at Sydney celebrations

Australia’s Olympic athletes, including a number of NSWIS supported athletes, have been officially welcomed home in Sydney, with official events at both Admiralty House and the Sydney Opera House.

The competition in Rio may have ended seven days ago, but the fanfare on home soil is still strong, as athletes completed the first of a nationwide string of events to celebrate their achievements at the Games.

The first stop was at the invitation of Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove who implored to the athletes that there was no sense of disappointment, saying that the medals won are “symbolic for all Australians”.

Following the morning’s engagement, the athletes then travelled across the harbour to the Opera House forecourt where hundreds of fans and schoolchildren greeted them.

Also present was Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and NSW Premier Mike Baird, who echoed the Governor General in his praise for Australia’s athletes.

“It has been an unbelievable moment when we’ve seen achievements and performance and we’ve seen the Aussie flag flying,” Baird said.

“So to all of you, congratulations, thank you for what you’ve achieved. Thank you for representing our country so proudly. From all of us, we say thank you, well done.”

Australia finished tenth on the medal tally, with NSWIS sailors in particular contributing heavily to the nations final standing.

One gold and two silver medals were won at the Marina da Glória by the NSWIS sailing contingent. Tom Burton led the way with gold in the Men’s Laser class, while cousins Lisa Darmanin and Jason Waterhouse claimed silver in the mixed Nacra 17. Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jansen also won silver competing in the 49er class.