TEAM GB’s success in the Olympics shows the strength of the Union between Scotland and England, No 10 has suggested as it made clear that the successful athletes can expect to receive a range of honours, reflecting their “amazing” achievements.
As Downing Street emphasised there would be no cap on the number of honours awarded to the UK’s athletes, the Queen offered her "warmest congratulations" to Team GB on its "outstanding performance" and “remarkable achievement” in Rio de Janeiro, winning a record 67 medals.
From her annual summer break in Balmoral, Her Majesty sent a message of praise to the country’s Olympic stars, many of whom will be returning to the UK in the next 24 hours.
READ MORE: Team GB's success reflects strength of the Union, says No 10
Team GB's success was, she said, a reflection of the "talent and hard work" of the athletes and their support teams.
Meantime, William, Kate and Harry, in a joint message, praised Team GB for their "record-breaking success".
"You are an inspiration to us all, young and old. To everyone associated with Team GB: well done! We hope you have all enjoyed the experience as much as we have back home," they added.
READ MORE: Olympics success 'can create greater sense of community'
The medal-winning athletes can expect an invitation to Buckingham Palace in the autumn; the Queen hosted a glittering reception for the sporting heroes of London 2012.
Dubbed the “golden games,” Team GB collected a record 27 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze medals, finishing above mighty China in the medals table. Scottish athletes matched their haul of 13 medals, which was achieved at the London 2012 games, bringing home four gold, seven silver and two bronze medals.
With the future of the United Kingdom once again high on the political agenda following the Brexit vote and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s assertion that a second independence referendum is now “highly likely,” Theresa May’s spokeswoman was asked if Team GB’s success had enhanced the status of the Union.
She replied: “The Olympics reflect what the Union can achieve when we are all on the same team and work together. If you look at the four nations, we are greater than the sum of our parts...”
The Prime Minister’s spokeswoman also indicated Team GB’s successful athletes would be in line for recognition in the New Year’s Honours List as she confirmed there would be no limit on the number of athletes and coaches who could receive awards.
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Speculation is mounting that British Olympians Mo Farah and Andy Murray are in line for knighthoods given their gold-winning performances, which come on top of many previous achievements. Mr Farah admitted he would be thrilled to receive a knighthood after his "double double" success in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres race at the games in Rio.
The spokeswoman said Mrs May was "extremely proud" of Team GB’s medal haul and wanted to see that success recognised.
She added: "We have had an amazing fortnight at the Rio Olympics and we should be looking at the differing ways that we can recognise and reward the athletes for all they have achieved and honours are there to recognise and reward people."
Meantime, researchers at St Andrews University have found that large sporting events such as the Olympics can create a greater sense of community.
The study 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.
READ MORE: Team GB's success reflects strength of the Union, says No 10
Professor Stephen Reicher, research co-ordinator from St Andrews University, 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.
"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,” explained Prof Reicher.
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