The Australian public turned out in force to celebrate the 2012 London Olympic team’s return home. The Australian Olympic Committee’s welcome home parades were held across the country last month and provided an opportunity for Australians to get behind the green and gold, show their support and congratulate the athletes for their sporting performance.

Canberra was the last stop on the welcome home parade trail and there was no shortage of children in attendance, excited to see their favourite athlete and get an autograph.

’It’s good to be home, the kids really turned out for this event and it was so rewarding to be able to share our experiences with the Australian community,’ said silver medalist walker, Jared Tallent.

In addition to Jared, sailing’s gold medalists Malcolm Page and Matthew Belcher, rowing’s silver and bronze medalist, Kim Crow and canoe’s silver medalist Jessica Fox attended the Canberra leg of the parade.

ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher welcomed the Olympians, thanking them for their efforts, sacrifices and for providing inspiration to future generations. 

’Like all Canberrans, I am extremely proud of the performance of our Olympians in London. They represented themselves, their team and their country with great distinction on the world stage,’ the Chief Minister said.

’For the majority of us, representing Australia at an Olympic Games is a distant dream. Olympians inspire all Australians with their performances, but most importantly they inspire the next generation of young people looking to follow in their footsteps and represent Australia at an Olympic or Paralympic Games.

’I would like to especially congratulate our 'home grown heroes' who represented us proudly on the biggest sporting stage of them all,’ she said.

It is now time to look into the future and support our up and coming athletes whilst they chase their dream to represent Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.