Huge crowds line streets to salute Games heroes
A million people lined the streets of London to say thank you to Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes after the country’s best ever summer of sport.
Up to 800 athletes were carried on 21 floats in the nation’s biggest-ever sporting parade.
The procession was dubbed Our Greatest Team, to celebrate the 185 medals won by Team GB.
The Red Arrows and RAF Typhoons staged a flypast before the athletes enjoyed a reception at Number 10 Downing Street with Prime Minister David Cameron.
Stars Jessica Ennis, Sir Chris Hoy and Telford gold medallists Mickey Bushell and Danielle Brown, proudly wore their medals as they waved to fans from open-top floats which wound their way through streets full of fans.
Telford hockey club captain Oliver Logan also took part, after a successful summer as a Team GB sports scientist.
Zara Phillips, who won a silver medal in the team three-day eventing, described the parade as “unbelievable”.
The stars of the Olympics’ Super Saturday – Mo Farah, Ennis and long jump champion Greg Rutherford – were in the first three floats, which departed from Mansion House following a fanfare of trumpets.
The crowds, dozens deep in places, were a sea of red, white and blue as fans waved Union flags at the passing floats.
Many also held up home-made banners, with some donning patriotic fancy dress for the occasion. But athletes humbly insisted the procession was also there to recognise spectators for their support. Hoy said: “This isn’t really for us this is for them because they’ve made the Games.
“They’ve made the atmosphere, they’ve supported the athletes, not just in the venues, but through the streets, and the pubs, the public venues, it’s been incredible.”
Ennis also said the parade was a chance for the athletes to thank the public.
She said: “We’ve had so much support, so now to come out and see another huge crowd and thank everyone is going to be really special for all of us.”
The athletes were also dressed in red, white and blue as they wore their Team GB and ParalympicsGB outfits and waved Union flags as they passed supporters who loudly clapped and cheered.
Chris Furber, lead coach for the GB para-cycling team, who comes from Bomere Heath, near Shrewsbury watched the parade and said: “The who spectacle has been unforgettable – it has been even better than Beijing four years ago.”