Researchers have found that large sporting events such as the Olympics can create a greater sense of community.
WithTeam GB winning 67 medals, including 27 golds, eclipsing London 2012 and Beijing 2008 in the process, it is hoped the success will lead to an increase in sporting participation.
Sporting participation would consequently lead to an improvement in the nation's health but a study co-ordinated by the University of St Andrews also found that sporting events can also foster a sense of community.
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The research was conducted in Australia and New Zealand before and after the Rugby World Cup final in 2015.
It showed the quality of interactions between New Zealanders and strangers improved following the All Blacks' victory, which led to improved ratings in both physical and mental health.
Professor Stephen Reicher, research co-ordinator from the University of St Andrews, said: "After a tremendous success - like winning the world cup or, perhaps, doing so well in the Olympics - there is a sense that you can go up to anybody in your community, even a complete stranger, say 'wasn't that wonderful?' and they will not only understand you but agree with you.
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"This brings people together, creates a sense of community and makes us believe that others are there for us. This belief gives us a sense of security and of efficacy, which is at the root of improved well-being.
"In the short-term, the Olympics drowns everything else out and so has a major effect on our sense of belonging together. In the longer-term, many other factors will affect whether we believe we are 'in it together'.
"The Olympics will remain an example and a metaphor of what can be achieved when there is dedicated teamwork, when there is adequate funding and when it is truly distributed according to need."
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