Rio Olympics 2016: Team GB declared 'sporting superpower' following history-making Games

Britain was tonight declared a “sporting superpower” after finishing second in the medals table following a history-making Rio Olympics.

Leading figures from sport and politics were among those to pay tribute to Team GB after ending the Games with 27 gold medals in addition to 23 silver and 17 bronze.

Britain’s performance in Rio created history as it became the first nation to surpass its medal tally following a home Olympics.

In London four years ago 65 medals were secured, two less than in Brazil.

Officials said the record-breaking summer meant Britain was now a “sporting superpower” as they look to plan for further success in Tokyo in 2020.

UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl said: “We're making sporting history - 67 medals, nearly 130 medallists, across 19 sports.

"Even the sporting superpowers haven't done that in the past, but we are one of those now.

“Following these amazing performances it’s back to business for us as we embark on the Tokyo 2020 cycle almost immediately when we return from Rio.

“The results here show that we have more strength in depth and breadth than ever before, and we will of course continue to invest in medal potential, within the resources available to us, when we announce funding to sports for Tokyo in December.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said a “celebration fit for heroes” would be staged in Manchester in honour of the athletes with further “euphoria” in the pipeline ahead of the Paralympic Games.