Olympians touch down in Sydney
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Welcome: Swimmer Stephanie Rice waves as she arrives with flag bearer James Tomkins (centre) (AAP)
Australia's Olympic team has arrived home in Sydney aboard two chartered Qantas Boeing 747 jets.
Triple gold medalist Stephanie Rice led the team off the first plane and shook hands with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd before walking down the stairs in the hangar at Sydney international airport.
Rice was followed out of the jet by six-time Olympic rower James Tomkins, who later hinted that he had reconsidered his decision to retire after Beijing.
The team returned to Australia weighed down by 46 medals - 14 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze.
In his official welcome home speech, Mr Rudd said Australia's Olympic organisation was already looking forward to the London Games in 2012.
"Welcome home to Australia," he told the athletes.
"Every Australian is proud of you. Every man, woman and child in this nation is proud of each and every one of you.
"On behalf of the Australian nation, well done.
"The preparation for London 2012 begins today and we, the Government and people of Australia, will be behind you every step of the way."
The 42-year-old Tomkins then took the stage on behalf of the team and dropped a heavy hint that he had reconsidered his decision to retire, referring to "those of us" who were preparing to "spoil the party" for Great Britain at the London Games.
"When you get off the plane and you get a welcome like this it's addictive and it's hard to give it up," he said.
"I would love to be there [in London] but it may well become untenable - who knows?
"The support that we got from Australia was incredible. The messages of support to all the athletes were unbelievable," he added.
"We are absolutely pumped to be back here in Australia."
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