RIO 2016: It’s been another busy day of arrivals in Rio as more and more Aussie athletes touch down in the Olympic city.
Shooter Jennifer Hens arrived at the crack of dawn from Europe before the track sprint cycling team, including Australian flagbearer Anna Meares, grabbed their bags and headed for the bus to the Village.
Despite the long flight Meares was in good spirits and ready to don the green and gold at a fourth Olympic Games.
“It’s been good so far, with our bikes and luggage all turning up which is always a good start,” she said with her characteristic beaming smile.
“Kitty (Chiller) and the whole AOC Team has done a great job as I know it’s a very big job with 419 athletes in the Australian Team now.
“I’m really excited to get in there, get settled and mostly get out on the Velodrome.”
Having heard of the addition of nine Australian female rowers to the team just before she took off, Meares was excited about the majority of the Australian Olympic Team being women.
“I think it’s great and it’s a sign of where things are going.
“Our whole team is strong across the board and I’m really looking forward to some strong performances from all the athletes.”
Judokas Katharina Haecker and Miranda Giambelli have both been training in Europe and arrived together in the late afternoon.
“I’m so excited that I am finally here and that all the hard work has paid off,” said Haecker who won her first Grand Prix medal in her final tournament before the Games.
“I’m really excited to get into the Village and have a good look around.”
As the pair have been based in Europe they’ve yet to receive their Australian Olympic Team uniforms and can’t wait to try all their gear on.
“I tried to sleep on the plane but I couldn’t because I was so excited,” said Giambelli.
“We’ve been told that all our uniforms will be in our rooms so I really want to get in there and get them on.”
The duo were followed by the other five members of the judo team and the divers who all arrived from Australia.
Matt Bartolo
olympics.com.au
