From Rio to Anfield: Reds welcome Olympic and Paralympic athletes
Liverpool FC celebrated their Olympic and Paralympic fans at the club’s first two home fixtures of the season, inviting a number of the 2016 Games competitors to receive well-earned applause from the Kop.
At half-time during the opening Anfield game of 2016-17 against Leicester City, Team GB field hockey gold medal winner Sam Quek was welcomed on the pitch to receive a rousing reception at half-time.
Sam was joined on the famous turf by Scouse heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Liverpool Ladies star Rosie White, who represented New Zealand at the Olympics.
They were followed during the Anfield clash against Hull City by Olympic gold medalist Matt Langridge and Anyika Onuora, who won a bronze in the women’s 4x400m relay.
Paralympic silver medal powerlifter Ali Jawad and table tennis star Jack Hunter-Spivey also took to the field.
The four were then given a warm welcome by manager Jürgen Klopp.
Langridge said: "I've been watching Liverpool at Anfield since I was a boy, so to go pitchside and get a cheer from the Kop was a dream come true.
"Plus, we won 5-1 so the day couldn't get any better."