Disappointment over absence of swimmers Rice, Trickett
ADELAIDE`S Olympic parade was slow out of the blocks - but thousands of flag-waving patriots ensured a big finish for the stars of Beijing.
Australia`s Olympic stars – including pole vault gold medallist and overnight star Steve Hooker – hit the streets of Adelaide in celebration of their efforts in Beijing.
The crowd was not deterred by the absence of some superstar athletes such as triple gold medallist Stephanie Rice.
While few people turned up for the opening stages, thousands lined the streets in the latter stage of the parade and then gathered in Victoria Square, where Olympians were formally thanked for their efforts.
Hooker will be joined by fellow gold medal winners Nathan Wilmot, Malcolm Page, Tessa Parkinson and Elise Rechichi (sailing) along with South Australia`s medallists and representatives.
The traditional Happy Homecoming Celebration, hosted by the Adelaide City Council and State Government, began at noon (CST) at the Torrens Parade Ground.
What did they expect?. Bad publicity yesterday about the 'hero- no shows' and day 3 doldrums. Better to assign several medalists for each city and do it all on the same day. Public and athletes are all 'partied out'.
Posted by: Janet of Adelaide 3:09pm today
There was a parade......here???
Posted by: Miles of Adelaide 2:45pm today
Why are we thanking olympians anyway - thanks for using our taxpayer money to enable you to get a gold medal? What a joke! Good on you Adelaide, the real heroes in society are the charity workers, nurses,doctors etc. Not some bloody pole vaulting tax sponge.
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