Team GB received a hero's welcome as they touched down at Heathrow airport on Tuesday morning, returning from Rio. The athletes of Great Britain and Northern Ireland performed in what has been dubbed their most successful away Games for more than 100 years.
Boxer Nicola Adams, gymnast Max Whitlock, canoeist Joe Clarke and diver Tom Daley were among those on board the long-haul British Airways flight, as were the gold-winning women's hockey team.
Max and Nicola were the first to exit the plane to cheers and applause from the crowds below. The pair remained at the top of the stairs while a sea of athletes filed down and posed along the runway for a group photo.
© Photo: RexTeam GB received a hero's welcome at Heathrow airport
The Olympians took selfies, waved to well-wishers and proudly brandished their gold, bronze and silver medals. All were in high spirits and no doubt overjoyed to be back on home soil to celebrate with their friends and family.
The flight looked to have been an eventful one. Helen Glover revealed that the athletes proudly stood up to sing God Save the Queen as it played over the tannoy shortly before take-off.
© Photo: TwitterHelen Glover: "Bling on a plane"
The rower also shared a picture of Max Whitlock entertaining his fellow passengers with a gymnastics display. "Touch down! Flight of a lifetime, excited to be home," she wrote.
Helen also flashed her gold medal in a group photo, joking: "Bling on a plane."
© Photo: TwitterSophie Bray shared a photo from the cockpit
Hockey stars Kirsty Mackay and Georgie Twigg also took to Twitter to share in-flight snaps with their squad. "And we've landed! #greattobeBAck," Georgie captioned one photo.
Louis Smith echoed the tweet, sharing a selfie and writing: "Homeeeeeee #greattobeBAck @British_Airways thank you for such an amazing flight back safe and sound."
© Photo: TwitterWill Satch jumped into the pilot's seat alongside Adam Peaty
Sophie Bray managed to bag a photo from the cockpit, writing: "On board the @british_airways VictoRIOus, going to be a very special flight home #greattobeBAck #teamgb #oneteam."
Will Satch took it one step further, jumping into the pilot's seat with his 'co-pilot' Adam Peaty.
© Photo: TwitterGeorge Twigg shared a photo with her fellow hockey players
Joe Clarke shared a selfie from the steps, captioning it: "What a reception! We're home..... Bringing home the great @TeamGB."
Team GB secured a total of 67 medals, with 27 golds, placing them in second place after the USA and above China in third place.
