By Matt Barlow, PA Sport

Disappointed Olympic athletes put on a brave smile as they celebrated the success of their team-mates in Sydney 2000.

Team Great Britain has proved the overwhelming edict of a Games which produced 28 medals, including 11 gold.

Jamie Baulch was among the high-profile athletes unable to live up to expectations down under but he applauded the efforts of those who returned to Britain today with gongs around their necks.

Baulch said: "My training partners Katharine Merry and Darren Campbell both got medals so, for me, it's been a brilliant Games.

"Four years ago there was a lot of bad Press and people saying we should have had more medals. This time, with all the golds and a lot of other medals, it's been great.

"We've been helped by the lottery funding and it's shown in the success. More people have been able to concentrate on their sports and it's getting a lot more professional now.

"Obviously I'm very disappointed for myself but it was one of those days. I had a bad one at the Olympics which isn't very good but it's made me very hungry for the next couple of years."

Baulch's 400 metres colleague Iwan Thomas was also philosophical as the team arrived in London today.

He said: "The team has done really well but, for me, it's the first championships I've come back from without a medal. I'm disappointed. I wish I had won a medal but I'm delighted for everyone who did.

"Then again I've had so many injury problems that I couldn't have expected much more. I just can't wait to get into winter training."