British athletes’ performance will inspire generation says Queen

She said Team GB’s success – the best performance in more than a century – would inspire a new generation of Olympians and remind everyone how sport 
“unifies communities and nations”.

Also, United States President Barack Obama telephoned David Cameron to offer his congratulations for a “brilliant” London Olympics, Downing Street said.

A Number 10 spokesman said: “The President praised the organisation of the Games and the amazing performance of Team GB athletes.

“And he thanked the Prime Minister for the hospitality the UK had shown to the First Lady at the start of the Games and the US team ever since.”

Mr Cameron in turn offered the UK’s congratulations on the US team’s “astounding” medals table-topping performance and said Britain had “thoroughly enjoyed” hosting the country’s athletes.

The Queen herself played a starring role in the opening ceremony for the Games, featuring in 
pre-recorded film scenes with Daniel Craig starring as James Bond, before appearing to parachute from a helicopter into the stadium.

More than two weeks on, following an Olympics heralded by many as the most successful Games ever, she sent a special message to Team GB, organisers and volunteers, as well as passing messages to the Commonwealth commending their performances in London 2012. “As the 2012 London Olympic Games come to a close, I offer my congratulations to the athletes of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, whose efforts across the range of Olympic disciplines have truly captured the public’s imagination and earned their admiration,” the Queen said.

“The outstanding performance of Team GB, in achieving the greatest Olympic success since 1908, will, I am sure, have inspired a new generation of Olympians and reminded us all how sport unifies communities and nations.

“I congratulate, too, the organisers of the Games, as well as the thousands of volunteers who have epitomised the Olympic spirit through the warm welcome they have shown to the sporting teams and spectators from all around the world.”