Golden stars come home on a high

The British Olympic team show off their medals

Britain's successful Olympic team has arrived back in the country still on a high from the Sydney Games.

Steve Redgrave, Denise Lewis and Audley Harrison were among those to step straight off a flight back from Australia into a press conference at Heathrow Airport on Monday morning.

All agreed that Sydney, where Britain had its most successful Olympics since 1920, had been a fantastic experience.

Heptathlon gold medallist Denise Lewis said: "I'm just a very happy person to do well in the championship and be part of this successful team."

Recalling her feelings at standing on the top step of the medal rostrum, she said: "When you realise a dream, it's so overwhelming. All the emotions I had were struggling for supremacy.

Highest accolade

"I was on a high - I had achieved the highest accolade someone could achieve in sport."

Five times Olympic rowing champion Steve Redgrave threw down a challenge to team mate Matthew Pinsent to beat his record.

Stephanie Cook is still trying to come to terms with her success

"Matthew is not totally convinced he'll carry on, but I'm convinced he will and I'm sure he'll be successful in four years time," Redgrave said.

"Then who knows? There's no reason why he can't go on and beat five.

"I'm sure it will be beaten and I'd like to think it would be him. Records are made to be broken so why not?"

Katharine Merry, bronze medallist in the 400m, said: "You'll see a smile from us for a long time. We're all delighted to have achieved what we have. The last few days for all of us have been mad."

Boxer Audley Harrison brushed aside questions about turning professional.

"I just want to cherish this moment," he said. "I'm months away from turning professional.

"I'm still on this mountain. We can leave the professional arena for another day."

Cyclist Jason Queally added: "I just hope what we have achieved can be used to support cycling around the country."