Homecoming for Olympic heroes in Newtownards
Gold medallists Rhys McClenaghan (second right) and Jack McMillan (second left) joined fellow Olympic competitors Rachel McCann and Michael Robson in Newtownards
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Olympic gold medal winners Rhys McClenaghan and Jack McMillan have received a heroes' welcome in Newtownards as the town toasted their success on Friday.
Ten athletes from Ards and North Down competed at this year's Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Crowds gathered in the County Down town's Conway Square to celebrate their achievements.
Shops and businesses in Newtownards have been showing their support for the games with a number of sporting-themed window displays.
Olympic gold medal winner Rhys McClenaghan is delighted with his homecoming reception.
BBC News NI's Claire Graham reported there was a carnival atmosphere at the event, with jugglers and jesters on stilts entertaining those gathered.
McClenaghan, from Newtownards, completed gymnastics' "Grand Slam" after winning pommel horse gold for Team Ireland at the Paris Olympics.
He told BBC News NI he was delighted to bring back the Olympic gold medal.
Rhys McClenaghan was welcomed by supporters in Newtownards as he showed off his gold medal
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Lady Mary Peters, who won Olympic gold in 1972, attended the event on Friday
'It's been a whirlwind'
He said he took on the responsibility of inspiring another generation of people young and old.
“I show that this journey has many bumps on the road and it is never plain sailing,” he said.
“I show the failure as well.
“I make sure that everyone is disappointed with me, then also when it goes right, they are celebrating with me too.”
Jack McMillan also received a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris
McMillan, who developed his talents at Bangor Swimming Club, helped Team GB retain their Olympic 4x200m freestyle relay title, after racing in the heats, although he was not selected to swim in the final.
He said it is “always your dream to get to the Olympics and to come away with a gold medal is even more incredible”.
McMillan added that it is “inspiring” for younger children at Bangor Swimming Club.
“Just to come back to where it all started has been amazing,” he told BBC News NI.
“Seeing my old coaches and friends I used to swim with and remembering those hard training sessions – getting up at half four in the morning before school.
“It’s been a whirlwind and it’s quite emotional to come back here.”
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