TEAM GB’s inspirational athletes were today hailed for their Olympic heroics.

The people of Suffolk were again captivated by the magic of the Games yesterday as our incredible sportsmen and women earned another stack of golds, silvers and bronzes.

Ipswich Town chief Simon Clegg – who was involved in the bid to bring the Olympics to London – paid tribute to the Great British stars who lit up Day 11.

He said: “The performance of Team GB has been nothing short of sensational and exceeds the wildest expectations when we set fourth place in the medal table within a week of winning the bid in 2005.

“Ridiculed in parts of the media for being unrealistic the results have more than justified the additional �300m of investment in high performance sport through UK Sport. With a number of great Team GB hopes still to compete there has never been a better time to feel proud of being British.”

Dan Poulter, MP for central Suffolk and north Ipswich, was watching on television as Sir Chris Hoy made history, scooping his sixth gold medal in the Olympic Velodrome.

He said: “For me, he is one of the three Olympic legends – Bradley Wiggins, Steve Redgrave and Chris Hoy.

“They’re very inspirational, I don’t think it matters which sport you play.

“They’re international sportsmen who are once in their generation – and we’ve got two in one with Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy.

“It’s very inspirational for sports people of all abilities and all ages and something I think the whole country is very proud of.

“Even people not interested in sports are captivated and getting behind the Olympic team. People will remember in the future where they were when these things happened. It’s the culmination of years and years of dedication for two great British international sportsmen.

“I’m sure there will be many young people in Suffolk inspired by the Games.”

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer was keen to highlight the part people all over the country have had in contributing to the athletes’ successes.

He said: “It’s wow, what a day. It’s congratulations – not only to the athletes but to everyone who plays the National Lottery.

“Every time you play the National Lottery you’re contributing to the success.

“An enormous amount of money from the National Lottery goes into sport and it’s obviously been brilliant for all the athletes.”

A total of �2.2billion of National Lottery funds helped to create the facilities to host the Games and National Lottery funds will make up a third of the budget for the Paralympic Games.

n What’s been your highlight of London 2012? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starnews@archant.co.uk