Britain’s Olympic heroes triumphantly arrived home today to rapturous cheering and applause on a golden-nosed plane - BA2016, named 'victoRIOus' - having watched the film Chariots of Fire following our greatest ever overseas Games.
With 77 champagne bottles on board and a stirring rendition on the National Anthem before take-off, there was a carnival atmosphere on board the flight taking Team GB's athletes home from Rio 2016.
And two-time Olympic champion gymnast Max Whitlock posed for the cameras with part of his pommel horse routine in first class, while other competitors showed off their medals in photographs with the flight crew.
The heroes arrived at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five shortly before 9.50am this morning - having been all smiles as they boarded the British Airways plane in Brazil for the 7.50pm flight yesterday.
And before their Boeing 747 plane left the South American country last night, Team GB’s athletes stood up and belted out God Save The Queen as it played over the Tannoy, video footage taken on board revealed.
'Anyone seen my red bag?' Team GB's victorious Olympians touch down at Heathrow after swigging champagne on their golden-nose plane... but how on earth will they recognise their luggage?
Team GB’s gold medal-winning athletes were treated to a first-class ticket home from Rio to London
As the elite group came home to UK their teammates not carrying a medal had to sit in economy seats
Team GB smashed their target of 48 medals to make Rio 2016 the country's best ever 'away' Games
By Mark Duell and Anthony Joseph In London For Mailonline and Claire Duffin and David Williams In Rio De Janeiro For The Daily Mail
23 August 2016
27 GOLDS - 23 SILVERS - 17 BRONZES - 67 TOTAL
Britain’s Olympic heroes triumphantly arrived home today to rapturous cheering and applause on a golden-nosed plane having watched the film Chariots of Fire following our greatest ever overseas Games.
With 77 champagne bottles on board and a stirring rendition on the National Anthem before take-off, there was a carnival atmosphere on board the flight taking Team GB's athletes home from Rio 2016.
And two-time Olympic champion gymnast Max Whitlock posed for the cameras with part of his pommel horse routine in first class, while other competitors showed off their medals in photographs with the flight crew.
The heroes arrived at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five shortly before 9.50am this morning - having been all smiles as they boarded the British Airways plane in Brazil for the 7.50pm flight yesterday.
And before their Boeing 747 plane left the South American country last night, Team GB’s athletes stood up and belted out God Save The Queen as it played over the Tannoy, video footage taken on board revealed.
There's no place like home: Team GB athletes pose with their astonishing haul of 67 medals - including 27 golds - having arrived back at London Heathrow Airport shortly before 9.50am today after finishing second in the Rio 2016 medal table
Can you see my red bag? Baggage collection at Heathrow Terminal Five is expected to be a little complicated this morning
Chaotic scenes: Team GB members make their way through London Heathrow Airport (left) and landing on BA2016 (right)
Windsurfer Nick Dempsey tweeted this picture at Heathrow Terminal Five's baggage reclaim, saying: 'Mine's the red one!'
British rower Alex Gregory made a similar joke on Twitter, saying: 'Anyone seen my red bag? @TeamGB #Olympics'
Stunning achievement: Britain's women's hockey team smile as they pose with their medals after securing a first Olympic hockey gold medal by beating defending champions the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout last week
Celebrate good times: Britain's women's hockey team, who were bronze medallists four years ago at London 2012, were clearly excited to be home after they landed at Heathrow Airport following the British Airways flight from Rio de Janeiro
Gold medallists: Swimmer Adam Peaty (left) and rower Helen Glover (centre) pose with a member of British Airways cabin crew (right) at Heathrow Airport today following the most successful Olympic Games for Britain in more than a century
The plane carried 320 athletes and support staff who stayed in Rio for Sunday's closing ceremony - as well as pole vaults, javelins, bicycles and a 22ft sail - and team members were offered a three-course menu on board.
Britain won 67 medals at the games - two more than the remarkable haul in London four years ago - with 27 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze representing the country's biggest medal count in more than a century.
And after winning the hearts of the country with their sporting heroics, Team GB’s gold medal-winning athletes were treated to a first-class ticket home.
Yet as the elite group crosses the skies – presumably sipping from a glass of complimentary champagne - you may have spared a thought for their teammates not carrying a medal.
Hockey girls: With 77 champagne bottles on board and a rendition on the National Anthem before take-off, there was a carnival atmosphere on board the plane - and the athletes were still smiling as they got off the flight at Heathrow today
The stars return: Team GB athletes including members of the women's gold medal-winning hockey team (left) leave the aeroplane after arriving home at Heathrow Airport, along with gymnast Louis Smith with his silver medal (right)
Gold winners: Gymnast Max Whitlock (left) and boxer Nicola Adams (right), who both won their respective competitions in Brazil, smile and wave as Team GB's medal winning athletes return to Britain from Rio on a British Airways flight today
Here they are: A total of 320 athletes and support staff travelled back from Rio in a gold-nosed British Airways Boeing 747 with 'victoRIOus' emblazoned on the side. The team were greeted by cheers and applause from the airport's staff
Winners: The plane carried 320 athletes and support staff who stayed in Rio for Sunday's closing ceremony- as well as pole vaults, javelins, bicycles and a 22ft sail – and team members will be offered a three-course menu on board
Olympic rower Helen Glover tweeted this photo of her wearing the captain's hat, saying: 'Touch down! Flight of a lifetime'
Two-time Olympic champion gymnast Max Whitlock posed for the cameras on board the British Airways flight today
Gold medalists of Team GB pose for a selfie with a member of British Airways cabin crew prior to flying back from Rio on British Airways flight BA2016 at Galeao Airport
Before they took off, the Team GB gold medal athletes posed for a selfie with a British Airways stewardess
For despite their best efforts, Team GB athletes who failed to finish in a podium position had to watch their teammates sit down to a business class seat as they languished in economy.
Steve Hawkins, the pilot of flight BA2016, said: 'I flew one of our prime ministers around on a VIP trip and I've also been involved a couple of other high profile flights.
‘Nothing as important as this, nothing as high profile as this, nothing as prestigious or as exciting as this. So bringing back Team GB from Rio 2016 has got to be the pinnacle of my flying in BA so far.’
Hockey star Susannah Townsend tweeted: 'Memories that will last a lifetime!! Time to head home! Thank you Rio, you have been amazing! @TeamGB #greattobeBAck'
Before their Boeing 747 plane left the South American country last night, Team GB’s athletes stood up and belted out God Save The Queen as it played over the tannoy, according to rowing champion Helen Glover (pictured centre)
British hockey player Nicola White posted this photo with the caption: '#TeamGB #hockey coming home!!!! @British_Airways getting us home in style! PROUD TO BE BRITISH RIGHT NOW'
With 77 champagne bottles on board and a stirring rendition on the National Anthem before take-off, there was a carnival atmosphere on board the golden-nosed plane taking Great Britain's athletes home from Rio 2016 today
The group of 270 athletes and officials arrived at Heathrow this morning to a huge welcome after Team GB specially chartered a fleet of British Airways planes.
But in a light-handed snub, or perhaps an incentive for the Tokyo Games in 2020, officials said upgrades had only been offered to medal winners.
The group of 27 gold medal winners was given priority when it came to allocating first class seats.
Athletes who finished in second or third place had to settle for slightly cheaper seats and were expected to take positions in business and premium economy seats. Pictured above centre is sprint canoer Rachel Cawthorn, who did not win a medal
At the airport check-in yesterday there appeared little sign of animosity or suggestions that the separation was a form of sporting ‘apartheid’
Sprint canoer Rachel Cawthorn (left) tweeted this picture with a fluffy toy version of the Rio mascot, saying: 'Just arrived home in a@teamgb chartered @British_airways plane and it's #greattobeBAck!!'
The gold medals were all on show on the British Airways flight today as the winners arrived home from the Rio Olympics
Trampoline silver medallist Bryony Page (left) posted this image with the caption: 'Post-Games bucket list #1 Enjoy a glass of champagne on the flight home - with medallist Sally Conway (right) ���� #greattobeBAck'
Bronze medalist rower William Satch (right) tweeted this photo from inside the cockpit of the British Airways plane
Cyclist Callum Skinner tweeted a picture of his gold medal and a glass of champagne, saying: 'Living the dream. See you later Rio. First class back to Heathrow.'
Among them were world record breaking swimmer Adam Peaty, 21, who kick-started the medal rush and rower Helen Glover, a double Olympic champion.
Nicola Adams, the first woman to retain a boxing title, and divers Chris Mears and Jack Laugher, were thought to be among those lapping up the extra legroom in their high-end seats.
But athletes who finished in second or third place had to settle for slightly cheaper seats and were expected to take positions in business and premium economy seats.
At the airport check-in yesterday however there appeared little sign of animosity or suggestions that the separation was a form of sporting ‘apartheid’.
Joe Joyce of Great Britain takes a selfie with British Airways captain Steve Hawkins as they prepare to fly back from Rio
Great Britain's athletes are heading home from Rio after the country's greatest ever overseas Olympic Games
The heroes were all smiles at the Brazilian city's airport today as they prepared to board a golden-nosed British Airways plane to London Heathrow. Pictured is boxer Nicola Adams who retained her title
team GB’s rowers all flew out in business, while their coxes and support staff flew economy. Team GB’s Rugby Sevens flew business class.Upgrades on the flights out had been left to the athletes to pay themselves although sponsors and individual sports chose to travel business.
A total of 15 athletes are believed to have been given business class seats by British Athletics, but it said flying all 366 athletes out in upgraded seats would have cost £2million. Olympic Association sources said this would have been unaffordable.
Each sport decides how their athletes fly out to Rio, with control over its own individual budget, but the British Olympics Association is solely responsible for funding Team GB’s participation in the games.
The British Airways flight BA2016 that carried Team GB back to Heathrow was decorated with a gold nose and the name ‘victoRIOus’ on its livery.
The Boeing 747 ferried 270 athletes and support staff - as well as pole vaults, javelins bicycles and a 6.7 metre sail.
Appropriately, the flight was loaded in Rio with 77 extra champagne bottles and treats for team members, who will be offered a three-course menu.
Britain collected 27 gold, 22 silver and 17 bronze medals. China picked up more medals than Britain with 70 but with 27 of them gold and only one more athlete left to compete, the nation cannot overtake Team GB.
Traditional rivals such as France, Germany and Australia were left trailing as Britain became the first country ever to improve its medal tally after hosting the Games.
The total was Britain’s highest since 1908, when events included deer shooting, tandem racing and the tug of war.
Whitehall sources last night indicated that most of the stars who have kept millions glued to their screens late into the night will be recognised in the New Year’s Honours.
They are expected to include: runner Mo Farah, who is likely to be knighted after electrifying the nation again in the 5,000 metres; Max Whitlock, who secured Britain’s first and second ever golds in gymnastics; and cyclist Laura Trott, whose superhuman efforts were singled out for praise by Prime Minister Theresa May.
With 77 champagne bottles on board and a stirring rendition on the National Anthem before take-off, there was a carnival atmosphere on board the flight taking Team GB's athletes home from Rio 2016.
And two-time Olympic champion gymnast Max Whitlock posed for the cameras with part of his pommel horse routine in first class, while other competitors showed off their medals in photographs with the flight crew.
The heroes arrived at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five shortly before 9.50am this morning - having been all smiles as they boarded the British Airways plane in Brazil for the 7.50pm flight yesterday.
And before their Boeing 747 plane left the South American country last night, Team GB’s athletes stood up and belted out God Save The Queen as it played over the Tannoy, video footage taken on board revealed.
'Anyone seen my red bag?' Team GB's victorious Olympians touch down at Heathrow after swigging champagne on their golden-nose plane... but how on earth will they recognise their luggage?
Team GB’s gold medal-winning athletes were treated to a first-class ticket home from Rio to London
As the elite group came home to UK their teammates not carrying a medal had to sit in economy seats
Team GB smashed their target of 48 medals to make Rio 2016 the country's best ever 'away' Games
By Mark Duell and Anthony Joseph In London For Mailonline and Claire Duffin and David Williams In Rio De Janeiro For The Daily Mail
23 August 2016
27 GOLDS - 23 SILVERS - 17 BRONZES - 67 TOTAL
Britain’s Olympic heroes triumphantly arrived home today to rapturous cheering and applause on a golden-nosed plane having watched the film Chariots of Fire following our greatest ever overseas Games.
With 77 champagne bottles on board and a stirring rendition on the National Anthem before take-off, there was a carnival atmosphere on board the flight taking Team GB's athletes home from Rio 2016.
And two-time Olympic champion gymnast Max Whitlock posed for the cameras with part of his pommel horse routine in first class, while other competitors showed off their medals in photographs with the flight crew.
The heroes arrived at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five shortly before 9.50am this morning - having been all smiles as they boarded the British Airways plane in Brazil for the 7.50pm flight yesterday.
And before their Boeing 747 plane left the South American country last night, Team GB’s athletes stood up and belted out God Save The Queen as it played over the Tannoy, video footage taken on board revealed.
There's no place like home: Team GB athletes pose with their astonishing haul of 67 medals - including 27 golds - having arrived back at London Heathrow Airport shortly before 9.50am today after finishing second in the Rio 2016 medal table
Can you see my red bag? Baggage collection at Heathrow Terminal Five is expected to be a little complicated this morning
Chaotic scenes: Team GB members make their way through London Heathrow Airport (left) and landing on BA2016 (right)
Windsurfer Nick Dempsey tweeted this picture at Heathrow Terminal Five's baggage reclaim, saying: 'Mine's the red one!'
British rower Alex Gregory made a similar joke on Twitter, saying: 'Anyone seen my red bag? @TeamGB #Olympics'
Stunning achievement: Britain's women's hockey team smile as they pose with their medals after securing a first Olympic hockey gold medal by beating defending champions the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout last week
Celebrate good times: Britain's women's hockey team, who were bronze medallists four years ago at London 2012, were clearly excited to be home after they landed at Heathrow Airport following the British Airways flight from Rio de Janeiro
Gold medallists: Swimmer Adam Peaty (left) and rower Helen Glover (centre) pose with a member of British Airways cabin crew (right) at Heathrow Airport today following the most successful Olympic Games for Britain in more than a century
The plane carried 320 athletes and support staff who stayed in Rio for Sunday's closing ceremony - as well as pole vaults, javelins, bicycles and a 22ft sail - and team members were offered a three-course menu on board.
Britain won 67 medals at the games - two more than the remarkable haul in London four years ago - with 27 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze representing the country's biggest medal count in more than a century.
And after winning the hearts of the country with their sporting heroics, Team GB’s gold medal-winning athletes were treated to a first-class ticket home.
Yet as the elite group crosses the skies – presumably sipping from a glass of complimentary champagne - you may have spared a thought for their teammates not carrying a medal.
Hockey girls: With 77 champagne bottles on board and a rendition on the National Anthem before take-off, there was a carnival atmosphere on board the plane - and the athletes were still smiling as they got off the flight at Heathrow today
The stars return: Team GB athletes including members of the women's gold medal-winning hockey team (left) leave the aeroplane after arriving home at Heathrow Airport, along with gymnast Louis Smith with his silver medal (right)
Gold winners: Gymnast Max Whitlock (left) and boxer Nicola Adams (right), who both won their respective competitions in Brazil, smile and wave as Team GB's medal winning athletes return to Britain from Rio on a British Airways flight today
Here they are: A total of 320 athletes and support staff travelled back from Rio in a gold-nosed British Airways Boeing 747 with 'victoRIOus' emblazoned on the side. The team were greeted by cheers and applause from the airport's staff
Winners: The plane carried 320 athletes and support staff who stayed in Rio for Sunday's closing ceremony- as well as pole vaults, javelins, bicycles and a 22ft sail – and team members will be offered a three-course menu on board
Olympic rower Helen Glover tweeted this photo of her wearing the captain's hat, saying: 'Touch down! Flight of a lifetime'
Two-time Olympic champion gymnast Max Whitlock posed for the cameras on board the British Airways flight today
Gold medalists of Team GB pose for a selfie with a member of British Airways cabin crew prior to flying back from Rio on British Airways flight BA2016 at Galeao Airport
Before they took off, the Team GB gold medal athletes posed for a selfie with a British Airways stewardess
For despite their best efforts, Team GB athletes who failed to finish in a podium position had to watch their teammates sit down to a business class seat as they languished in economy.
Steve Hawkins, the pilot of flight BA2016, said: 'I flew one of our prime ministers around on a VIP trip and I've also been involved a couple of other high profile flights.
‘Nothing as important as this, nothing as high profile as this, nothing as prestigious or as exciting as this. So bringing back Team GB from Rio 2016 has got to be the pinnacle of my flying in BA so far.’
Hockey star Susannah Townsend tweeted: 'Memories that will last a lifetime!! Time to head home! Thank you Rio, you have been amazing! @TeamGB #greattobeBAck'
Before their Boeing 747 plane left the South American country last night, Team GB’s athletes stood up and belted out God Save The Queen as it played over the tannoy, according to rowing champion Helen Glover (pictured centre)
British hockey player Nicola White posted this photo with the caption: '#TeamGB #hockey coming home!!!! @British_Airways getting us home in style! PROUD TO BE BRITISH RIGHT NOW'
With 77 champagne bottles on board and a stirring rendition on the National Anthem before take-off, there was a carnival atmosphere on board the golden-nosed plane taking Great Britain's athletes home from Rio 2016 today
The group of 270 athletes and officials arrived at Heathrow this morning to a huge welcome after Team GB specially chartered a fleet of British Airways planes.
But in a light-handed snub, or perhaps an incentive for the Tokyo Games in 2020, officials said upgrades had only been offered to medal winners.
The group of 27 gold medal winners was given priority when it came to allocating first class seats.
Athletes who finished in second or third place had to settle for slightly cheaper seats and were expected to take positions in business and premium economy seats. Pictured above centre is sprint canoer Rachel Cawthorn, who did not win a medal
At the airport check-in yesterday there appeared little sign of animosity or suggestions that the separation was a form of sporting ‘apartheid’
Sprint canoer Rachel Cawthorn (left) tweeted this picture with a fluffy toy version of the Rio mascot, saying: 'Just arrived home in a@teamgb chartered @British_airways plane and it's #greattobeBAck!!'
The gold medals were all on show on the British Airways flight today as the winners arrived home from the Rio Olympics
Trampoline silver medallist Bryony Page (left) posted this image with the caption: 'Post-Games bucket list #1 Enjoy a glass of champagne on the flight home - with medallist Sally Conway (right) ���� #greattobeBAck'
Bronze medalist rower William Satch (right) tweeted this photo from inside the cockpit of the British Airways plane
Cyclist Callum Skinner tweeted a picture of his gold medal and a glass of champagne, saying: 'Living the dream. See you later Rio. First class back to Heathrow.'
Among them were world record breaking swimmer Adam Peaty, 21, who kick-started the medal rush and rower Helen Glover, a double Olympic champion.
Nicola Adams, the first woman to retain a boxing title, and divers Chris Mears and Jack Laugher, were thought to be among those lapping up the extra legroom in their high-end seats.
But athletes who finished in second or third place had to settle for slightly cheaper seats and were expected to take positions in business and premium economy seats.
At the airport check-in yesterday however there appeared little sign of animosity or suggestions that the separation was a form of sporting ‘apartheid’.
Joe Joyce of Great Britain takes a selfie with British Airways captain Steve Hawkins as they prepare to fly back from Rio
Great Britain's athletes are heading home from Rio after the country's greatest ever overseas Olympic Games
The heroes were all smiles at the Brazilian city's airport today as they prepared to board a golden-nosed British Airways plane to London Heathrow. Pictured is boxer Nicola Adams who retained her title
team GB’s rowers all flew out in business, while their coxes and support staff flew economy. Team GB’s Rugby Sevens flew business class.Upgrades on the flights out had been left to the athletes to pay themselves although sponsors and individual sports chose to travel business.
A total of 15 athletes are believed to have been given business class seats by British Athletics, but it said flying all 366 athletes out in upgraded seats would have cost £2million. Olympic Association sources said this would have been unaffordable.
Each sport decides how their athletes fly out to Rio, with control over its own individual budget, but the British Olympics Association is solely responsible for funding Team GB’s participation in the games.
The British Airways flight BA2016 that carried Team GB back to Heathrow was decorated with a gold nose and the name ‘victoRIOus’ on its livery.
The Boeing 747 ferried 270 athletes and support staff - as well as pole vaults, javelins bicycles and a 6.7 metre sail.
Appropriately, the flight was loaded in Rio with 77 extra champagne bottles and treats for team members, who will be offered a three-course menu.
Britain collected 27 gold, 22 silver and 17 bronze medals. China picked up more medals than Britain with 70 but with 27 of them gold and only one more athlete left to compete, the nation cannot overtake Team GB.
Traditional rivals such as France, Germany and Australia were left trailing as Britain became the first country ever to improve its medal tally after hosting the Games.
The total was Britain’s highest since 1908, when events included deer shooting, tandem racing and the tug of war.
Whitehall sources last night indicated that most of the stars who have kept millions glued to their screens late into the night will be recognised in the New Year’s Honours.
They are expected to include: runner Mo Farah, who is likely to be knighted after electrifying the nation again in the 5,000 metres; Max Whitlock, who secured Britain’s first and second ever golds in gymnastics; and cyclist Laura Trott, whose superhuman efforts were singled out for praise by Prime Minister Theresa May.
