PRETTY awesome is how Olympic medallist Beth Tweddle described the atmosphere in London on Monday for the parade to celebrate the achievements of Team GB athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The 27-year old gymnast, from Bunbury, who won a bronze medal on the uneven bars, was part of Our Greatest Team aboard a float with fellow gymnasts and the handball team.
She said: “You can see why people come out to see competitions but it was unbelievable to see so many people coming out to line the streets just to see us on floats!”
Beth, a former pupil of Chester’s Queen’s School, admitted to being overwhelmed by the support from the general public.
“I was being interviewed on the float and the noise was so great at times, particularly near Trafalgar Square, that I couldn’t hear the questions! ”
Fellow Olympians and former King’s School pupils Tom James and Chris Bartley were also part of the jubilant procession.
Gold medal winner Tom said: “It was enormous, momentous – I still can’t take it in. The crowds showed so much support and goodwill. On every street, the crowd was five or six deep and then you looked up the side roads and there they were 20 or 30 deep.
“I felt like I was at the centre of the world. It was like winning the lottery – only tenfold.”
James and silver medal holder Bartley were aboard a float with fellow Team GB rowers. Bartley tweeted: “Thanks to everyone who lined the streets of London for the bus tour. The support has been fantastic! Loved being part of such a fantastic day! #fivemanbase,” a reference to the human pyramid created by the athletes, which made the front pages of national newspapers on Tuesday.
Just before the parade started, Chester’s Fiona McCann, who represented Team GB in water polo, tweeted: “Olympic parade in #London today #wellexcited.”
The parade of 21 floats carrying more than 700 athletes started at Mansion House in the City of London before winding its way through the streets past St Paul’s Cathedral, along Fleet Street and The Strand. Huge cheering crowds filled Trafalgar Square, the final point for public viewing, before the athletes proceeded along The Mall, which was reserved for 14,000 volunteers, athletes’ families and coaches, to Buckingham Palace.
Following the parade the athletes were invited to a reception.
Beth Tweddle said: “The Prime Minister came to talk to us and we had a bit of a party and a chance to chill out.”
Beth is now looking forward to a well-deserved holiday in Florida with her boyfriend, mum Anne and dad Jerry.
“I can’t wait,” she said.
Follow Chester’s Olympians on Twitter @bethtweddlenews @TomJames, @chris_bartleyGB, @FeeMc1987.
Beth has ice cream named in her honour – page 19.
