By Nadene Smith
SYDNEY
(TheSportsNext) August 15, 2012: Australian athletes returned home on
Wednesday after showing a dismal performance in the recently concluded
London2012 Olympic Games but Prime Minister Julia Gillard defended their poor
medal haul.
Australia had finished sixth at the Beijing 2008 but had to
settle with 10th position in the London 2012 as they could won only
seven gold medals which is their worst tally in 20 years.
The sentiments became further down when the local Aussies
compared their Olympians tally with the arch-rivals Great Britain who finished
with 29 gold medals.
Despite of a lower than expectations performance, a huge
crowd was there to welcome the Aussie Olympians and the Aussie PM Julia Gillard
was also there to receive them.
She defended their performance by saying, "For those
who have been quick to rush out with criticism, London 2012 has been a
remarkable result by any measure. Our nation is still in the top 10, still
fighting, still striving. No matter what medal you're wearing around your neck
today, or whether you're not wearing a medal at all, you are carrying the
greatest of honours, you're Olympians”.
Cyclist Anna Meares and hurdler Sally Pearson were standout
performers for Australia at the London 2012 besides the rowing team which won
three gold medals as well as a silver.
Aussie Chef de mission Nick Green had praise for Anne and
Sally as he said, "What a day it was. It was clearly the best performing
team we've had in London”.
No comments:
Post a Comment