With the Olympics now over, one of the greatest things for athletes is returning to their home countries where thousands of fans greet them with cheers regardless of whether they won a medal or not. It lets the athletes know that all their hard work is appreciated.

That's exactly why England, the country which will be hosting the 2012 Olympic Games - and which just had its greatest Olympic medal haul ever - planned a huge garish welcome for its returning triumphant athletes, as British PM Gordon Brown made clear yesterday.


Sounds awesome. Except there's one problem. It won't be happening.

British Airways and the British Airports Authority, which operates London Heathrow Airport, said there would be no public reception because a large crowd could threaten health and safety in the terminal building. I assume the threat to health is people slipping on vomited beer, because it couldn't be anything else in Britain.

This is of course fantastic news for the athletes. Nothing beats coming home after you reel in an all-time record medal haul by being greeted by......a trash can. It's also great when one of the most powerful government figures in your country is overruled by an airline. You might as well just surrender now.

And if you think the British are good at killing all fun after all that, wait until you hear this. Athletes will have to wait until October 16th for an official Olympic parade through London. Man, will anyone even remember the Olympics by October 16th? Why not just have the parade in 2010, or for that matter, why even have one all?

Way to go Britain. Let's hope when the Games come to town in 2012 you're brave enough to admit people into the sporting venues or - gasp - have an opening ceremony. I hear you have to let a lot of people attend that.

Athletes' welcome cancelled over safety fears. [Guardian]