Georgia’s Olympic athletes get warm welcome at Tbilisi airport

Georgia’s Olympic heroes have arrived home to jubilant scenes after two weeks of intense sporting competition at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games.

Georgia’s 40 athletes, including medalists who brought home two gold, one silver and four bronze medals, touched down at Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport last night and were warmly welcomed by a throng of fans, supporters and media.

Hundreds of supporters surged forward when the Olympic team walked into the arrivals area, and asked for autographs from their sporting heroes.

Winners proudly wore their medals around their neck and posed for photos with their fans.

Olympic heroes walking into the arrivals area. Photo by Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia.

Georgia’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Tariel Khechikashvili and Minister of Refugees Sozar Subari were at the airport to greet the Olympic team and praised the athletes for their efforts.

I would like to thank everyone who worked hard to bring success to Georgia in the world arena. We once again proved that Georgian sportsmen are strong. This is a big victory and we will actively continue promoting a whole range of different sports,” said Khechikashvili.

In a moment of silence when the crowds hushed, the Georgian athletes thanked their fans, saying their support greatly contributed to the success of the Georgian Olympic team.

Photo by Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia.

Big thanks to everyone who supported us during this time and everyone who never doubted our abilities,” said gold medalist Lasha Talakhadze.

Our victory belongs to each of us and to the whole Georgia. Emotions are stronger today when we see so many supporters around us. This brings us huge happiness,” he said.

Take a look at an infographics created by Agenda.ge, showing Georgia's results at seven Summer Olympic Games from 1992 to 2016.

All of Georgia’s Olympic athletes are being praised for their success, however the country’s medalists will receive a financial reward from the state.

Georgia’s 40 athletes, including medalists who brought home two gold, one silver and four bronze medals. Photo by Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia.

Olympic gold medalists Lasha Talakhadze (weightlifting) and Vladimer Khinchegashvili (freestyle wrestling) will receive $75,000 USD, silver medalist Varlam Liparteliani (judo) will receive $45,000 and bronze medalists Shmagi Bolkvadze (Grecco-Roman wrestling), Lasha Shavdatuashvili (judo) and Irakli Turmanidze (weightlifting) will each receive $30,000.

Georgia sent a record number of athletes to this year’s Olympic Games in Rio with a team of 40 athletes – 30 men and 10 women – who competed in 13 disciplines.