Olympic athletes are returning from Rio and there were smiles and some tired faces as a group touched down at the London International Airport Tuesday morning.
About 30 people were there to meet them.
Among the athletes were Shelina Zadorsy and Jessie Fleming from the bronze medal-winning soccer team.
Zadorsky, 23, is now off to join her pro team, the Washington Spirit, of the National Women’s Soccer League, but her sights are already set on Tokyo 2020.
"I think being so close to that gold medal game, it really gives you that itch to want to get back to it and see what you can accomplish,” she said.
And Jessie Fleming, 18, is also expected to be part of future Olympic teams.
Fleming said she’s thankful for her teammates.
“We're pretty lucky, because we're a pretty tight-knit group. And the vets were incredible this tournament. And they just kind of…showed us the ropes in terms of the Olympics. And I'm so grateful to have my teammates alongside me.”
Fleming will soon be returning to UCLA where the soccer season is set to begin.
The athletes enjoyed their time in Rio, despite fears of problems surrounding the Games.
“It was an incredible experience. I think we had heard a lot in the media about Rio, but we absolutely loved it down there. People were incredibly welcoming. The Olympics, in general, is overwhelming, but exciting and we had a great time,” said rower Susanne Grainger, a member of the women's eight boat, which finished fifth.
