TEAM: Hangar 96 at Sydney Airport became had never felt so patriotic. This morning the sleepy hangar hosted a 7am welcome home celebration for the 2012 Australian Olympic Team.

After 16 days of staying up late and getting up early to catch the Aussies in action in London, it was only fitting that some 500 friends and family turned out for one last early morning to celebrate the efforts of Australia’s finest athletes- dressed in green and gold and clutching posters for their favourite athletes, no less. 

After months abroad and years of training, emotions ran high as the Qantas jet rolled in. Decked out in Boxing Kangaroo decorations and weighed down by London medals, the doors opened to reveal Malcolm Page and Lauren Jackson- Australia’s Closing and Opening Ceremony Flagbearers

The pair led a procession of athletes who were greeted by the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott and Federal Sports Minister Kate Lundy.

Also in the crowd were Jackson’s parents and an impressive four generations from Page’s family.

“I’ve been to a few of these welcomes but this is incredible,” said Jackson sporting her bronze medal.

Looking remarkably refreshed after the long flight, Page and Jackson were among the medallists who received business class upgrades for their achievements.

Just under a quarter of the Australian Team won medals in London (94 medallists out of 410 athletes).

Teenager Yolane Kukla was blown away by being in business class courtesy of winning Australia’s first gold medal of the Games in the 4x100m freestyle relay.

“The flight went so quickly, I wanted to stay on board!” Kukla said.

While sleep was the main pastime on the charter flight home, the savvy sixteen-year-old spotted her opportunity.

“I went around to all of the athletes in business class and got their signatures on my flag so that was really good,” Kukla said.

“I thought I might as well take the chance to do it now!”

The 7am party atmosphere capped off what has been an incredible campaign for the Australian athletes- whether returning with medals or not.

“We’re all here in the spirit of joy and celebration to say we are so proud of you,” Prime Minister Gillard said.

Athletes now hit the road for a series of Welcome Home Parades beginning in Sydney on Monday.

For more details on the parades click here >>>

Taya Conomos
Olympics.com.au