Reuters
7 October 2000 – Bridgetown, Barbados - Barbadian history man Obadele Thompson has returned from the Olympics to a hero's welcome - and a sports car - after winning the 100 metres bronze medal in Sydney.
A red carpet, a motorcade and thousands of flag-waving fans were awaiting the first Barbadian to win an individual Olympic medal.
"It feels really good to be back on home soil because I originally had not planned to return, but I am glad to be here,"
Thompson said on his arrival on Thursday.
"I am looking forward to greeting all those who plan to come out for the celebration and hopefully everybody else in the Olympic team will have a good time."
Thompson was presented with a BMW convertible by a local garage and was offered a diplomatic posting by the Barbadian government.
The motorcade carrying the sprinter and other members of the Olympic squad stopped opposite the government headquarters.
Prime Minister Owen Arthur told a gathering outside: "It might have been a bronze medal for Oba but it was a golden moment for Barbados..."
