Rio 2016 Olympics: Team Australia thanks supporters during welcome home parade in Sydney

Australia’s Olympians graced the iconic Sydney Opera House with their presence Monday for the athletes’ welcome home parade after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Led by Olympic Team Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller, the athletes wore their green-and-gold uniform as they addressed and thanked the NSW government and the public for the welcome ceremony.
Family photo guys! #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/PGd1OtVoFH
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) August 29, 2016
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, NSW Premier Mike Baird, and Governor General Peter Cosgrove were among the government officials who honored Team Australia, which brought home 29 medals from the 15-day Olympics held recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
At least 422 athletes have represented Australia across 26 sports. Australia ranked 10th on the official Rio 2016 medal tally, after Aussie athletes managed to take home eight gold medals, 11 silver medals and 10 bronze medals. (Click here for more detailed story)
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, two-time Olympic champion and team captain Anna Meares said, “We stood tall and proud as one Australian Team. We thank everyone that cheered us on.”
We stood tall and proud as one Australian Team. We thank everyone that cheered us on - @AnnaMeares #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/OuQuGPnVST
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) August 29, 2016
Meanwhile, Olympic gold medalist and rower Kim Brennan said the support from their Olympic bids was “overwhelming.”
“This welcome home parade is a great opportunity to thank the people of Australia for standing by us. They are celebrated with us when things went right or offered a shoulder to cry on when things didn’t go right,” she said.
CdM Kitty Chiller presents the Governor General with his own Rio Olympic blazer for all his support on this journey. pic.twitter.com/yZTJgNkLSR
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) August 29, 2016
After having a group photo with the NSW government officials, the Olympians gave into fans’ requests for photos or autographs.
WATCH: Australian Olympic Team gets warm welcome in Sydney
WELCOME HOME!!
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) August 29, 2016
What a reception for our Rio Olympians! #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/VtcWCwWw4L