RIO 2016: Throughout the lead up to, and during, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, our Aussie athletes have been inundated with inspiring messages from audiences watching at home.

Thousands of personal fan messages have been sent in from people right across Australia and from fans living abroad, all of whom ride the triumphs and heartbreak of their Olympic heroes.

Whether it be from in front of the TV late at night, in a school classroom, or from workplaces across the country, messages have flooded in and the Australian Team has been blown away by the love and support. 

Over 15,000 fan messages were published, ranging from well-wishes for athletes before their event, to messages of congratulations and encouragement post-event.

Here are a few of the best fan messages published on olympics.com.au:

 

AUS Olympic Team
"To All Athletes, never think you have let Australia down in any way, you are all the best of the rest because you are all OLYMPIANS. You all made it to the Olympic Games, unlike me and thousands of others. My grand daughter is an archer and at present she is only 10yrs old but is getting a lot of inspiration from every one of you guys." - Steven Winfield

Kyle Chalmers
"Dear Kyle, you are the reason I started training early and young. After watching your swims I've been confident I could break 40-seconds at the age of 9. Congratulations on gold in the men's 100 freestyle. Not just me but the whole of Australia was watching on as you made HISTORY. You're a huge inspiration in my life. I say this with proudness that I'm Aussie." - Riley Jackson

Jarrod Poort
"Wow Jarrod, you certainly made Australia and the world sit up and take notice of your wonderful swim this morning. Unfortunately the course this time was a little too long and your rivals caught you, but your swimming was amazing. Please keep going, Australian sport needs people with your strength and determination. Best of luck." - Kat

Anna Meares
"Hi Anna, I just saw your interview and you hoped that we were proud of you? Mate, you are what all sports people can be measured by and not very many would match up and I can't imagine any out-doing you! You have always played it hard and fair and never made a single excuse if you didn't meet your expectations. Enjoy the rum and chocolate." - John Minea

Amy Turner
"Dear Amy, my name is Jack and my friend Dom and I have been watching the rugby 7s and we love football. We are in year 3 and we live on the Central Coast. We hope you keep up the good work. Dominic and I believe that wherever you go, our dreams take us there. Follow your dreams Amy." - Jack and Dom

Peter Bol
"A journey that fortuitously started at our inter-house athletics carnival has led you to the pinnacle of athletics on the world stage. Words can’t express how proud we are of your dedication and achievements. No matter where you finish, know that we will be with you every step of the way. Wishing you great success at the Rio Olympics." - Staff and Students of Norbert College

Max & Chloe Esposito
"Max and Chloe, from all of us soldiers in the Middle East. We are so bloody proud of you both. Chloe, I have a guy next to me crying and screaming you on in your run leg. Guys, thank you for representing us so well. You both are true diggers, you never ever gave in. We love you and are amazing." - Ryder

Andrew Bogut
To Andrew, you are an amazing inspiration and an awesome basketball player.I have loved watching all your games and I am really exited whenever the Boomers have a great win. I heard you come from where I live and it's great to have local legends. You always play with an amazing playing style and skills. Congrats on an amazing Olympic campaign." - Samuel

Eleanor Patterson
Hi Eleanor, yesterday I came third in high jump district athletics and you inspired me to do high jumping. I hope that one day I can also represent my country like you have. Good luck at the Rio Olympics I hope you achieve your dreams. All the best." - Mia Paterson

Charlotte Caslick
Hey Charlotte, first of all, congrats to you and the girls winning gold. Super effort! I'm pretty sure my missus now has a crush on you. So much so that she plans to dress as you for her netball mad Monday. Thanks and congrats once again!" - Zane

Rebecca Henderson
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars. . . . and Rebecca , you are a star! No matter what happens you are a winner. You are in the Olympic team! I'll be cheering you on, all the way, from afar - like I have been doing over the years. What you have achieved is amazing! Good luck and great riding! XXXOOO" - Felicity McWilliam (Mrs. Mac)

Chloe Esposito
"Forget Usain Bolt! Can he swim, shoot, ride a horse and swing a sword? Don't think so! Great work, you're an Aussie Champion!" - Steve 

Cate Campbell
"Dear Cate. We think you are an AMAZING! swimmer. Don't be upset with your race results. We are NOT disappointed, we are proud of your efforts. You are a great role model for our nation. Keep trying your best and do not doubt your self.

C for COURAGE
A for AMAZING
T for TENACIOUS
E for EXCELLENT
Wishing you all the best." - Year 4 at St. Patrick's Summer Hill

AUS Olympic Team
"To all the athletes but especially those who have not achieved what they, or the expectations heaped upon you, had hoped; the mark of a true champion is that you accept the result with dignity & class & you have all done that & so have done yourselves, families & the country proud." - Brendan

AUS Olympic Team
"May I congratulate our team; competitors, coaches and officials, on a wonderfully inspiring contribution. Your struggles, sacrifices, team spirit, sportsmanship, many personal bests and successes brought our family such pride and excitement. Well done and thank you for representing yourselves, your families and our country so well." - Phillip Challis

 

The Australian Olympic Committee would like to say a massive thank you to all who took the time to send in a fan message. We look forward to your contiuned support for our Aussie athletes in Tokyo 2020 and beyond!

Harry Easton
olympics.com.au