Games Team Arrives Home |
7th August 2002 | Australia's triumphant Commonwealth Games team touched down in Melbourne this morning, after their record medal haul in Manchester.
Welcoming the team home were Prime Minister John Howard and Qantas chairwoman Margaret Jackson.
Six-time gold medallist Ian Thorpe, followed by gymnast Allana Slater and track star Jana Pittman led the athletes off the specially chartered Qantas jet just before 6.30am at Tullamarine Airport.
About 50 schoolchildren from Tullamarine primary school greeted the 250-strong team with a guard of honour.
Mr Howard opened the door of the plane, telling the athletes they'd done Australia proud.
"They did so well in so many sports, as well as in ones they didn't even think we'd do well in,"Mr Howard said.
Melbourne will stage a heroes' welcome for the athletes today, culminating in a street parade through the city's streets.
Story by The Age
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Games Team Arrives Home
➼ www.theage.com.au
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
Update Page
