Wednesday 27 August 2008
Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today welcomed home Scotland’s Olympic medallists on Team GB on behalf of the nation at a reception at Edinburgh Castle.
Triple gold medallist Chris Hoy MBE and silver medallists Katherine Grainger MBE, Ross Edgar and David Florence arrived back in Scotland to a heroes’ welcome following a hugely successful Olympic Games for Team GB.
The medallists were treated to an open top bus parade down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park.
Speaking at Edinburgh Castle Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland said: “Team GB had a fantastic Games and we are very proud of all the athletes including the 32 Scots in the team. The achievements of the four Scottish medallists will hopefully inspire and motivate our young people to take part in sport and physical activity and engender the belief that they too can succeed.”
Commending the medallists Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“Very few athletes achieve the honour of being selected to represent their country as an Olympian and I am sure that all of Scotland will join me in congratulating the very successful Team GB, its 32 Scottish members and our four Scots medallists.
“The Scottish Government’s overriding priority is to see an increase in sporting participation rates throughout Scotland and the success of our four medallists can only be a major influence on our young people and help inspire the heroes of tomorrow.”
City of Edinburgh Lord Provost George Grubb said: “Chris Hoy is now Scotland's most successful ever Olympian and everyone in Edinburgh is immensely proud of him. Watching him power to victory three times in Beijing was truly inspirational and the city's open top bus parade gives as many people as possible the chance to join in the celebrations. I'm sure that Edinburgh will give all of the winning medallists a fantastic welcome home."
- Chris Hoy won his three cycling gold medals in the Team Sprint, Keirin and the Individual Sprint.
- Katherine Grainger won her rowing silver medal in the Quadruple Sculls
- Ross Edgar won his cycling silver medal in the Keirin.
- David Florence won his canoeing silver medal in the C1 event.