Samba school and Flamengo fans pay tribute to gymnast as she arrives at Rio airport

Lydia Gismondi Rio de Janeiro

Diego is carried by fans in Rio de Janeiro

In Beijing, he cried with disappointment after missing the last pass of his routine in the individual floor final. At the Rio de Janeiro airport, Diego Hypolito's tears overflowed with joy at the welcome he received from his entire family, including Flamengo fans and members of the Portela samba school, upon his arrival on Saturday afternoon. The gymnast, who was favored for gold at the Chinese Games, was moved to tears and received a medal and a congratulatory banner from the Portela samba school in honor of his Olympic performance.

"I was very happy with all this affection. I'm impressed with everything they've prepared for me. This reception is worth more than a medal. I'm very grateful to Portela, Flamengo, and all the fans who came here to honor me. This affection gives me more strength to train even harder," said Diego, who finished 6th at the Beijing Games.

Jade cries with fans' tribute

Mobbed by the press and fans, Diego signed numerous autographs and danced samba with gymnasts Jade Barbosa and Daniele Hypolito, and sailor Isabel Swan, who also landed with him this Saturday. According to his sister Daniele, Diego should recover quickly from the setback suffered after his fall in the floor exercise final in Beijing.

"My brother is very strong. It was good for him to participate in these Olympics, to gain experience and feel the competitive atmosphere. Now it's time to train for the medal in four years."