PM praises “brilliant” Olympians - 06-10-2008

PM praises "brilliant" Olympians

Gordon Brown has thanked Britain's Olympic stars for "making the country proud" at a special Government reception in London last night.

Mr Brown and his wife Sarah were joined by around 250 athletes and support staff whose efforts helped Team GB to 19 golds and fourth place in the medals table in Beijing.

Gold medallists including Rebecca Adlington, boxer James De Gale, sprinter Christine Ohuruogu, and sailor Ben Ainslie were among those who attended the thank-you reception at Lancaster House, central London.

Mr Brown told the "it was a great privilege" to welcome Britain's most successful Olympic team since 1908.

He said:

"While you were all in the bubble of Beijing millions of people here were not only watching you but were encouraged to play sport and try to take part in the next Olympics.

"There has been nothing in recent years that has given me and so many other people so much pride as what you all have done."

The PM promised to support the team in the run up to the 2012 Olympics in London.

Tags: olympics, reception

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