A huge crowd gathered in the eastern Ontario town of Perth Saturday to welcome back three Olympic athletes they say are a source of deep pride.

Hammer thrower Sultana Frizell, show jumper Ian Millar and judoka Nick Tritton were honoured for their efforts in London by hundreds of people.

“Win, lose or draw they’re still proud of us, want to recognize us and say great job,” said Millar, who set a record by competing in his tenth Games. “That’s a darn nice thing.”

“Without the support of the town we’re basically nothing,” Tritton said. “We grew up here so we can never forget where we actually came from.”

The red-and-white clad crowd waved flags and cheered as their hometown heroes returned.

“We’ve just got a range of talent in Perth, in particular athletics,” said Wynn Turner-Quigley. “These people show what Perth can do to raise Olympians and it’s fantastic.”

“They provide great examples for our young people,” said Perth Mayor John Fenik.

“I’m sure in a long tradition that started with these three, the town of Perth and surrounding areas will be putting forth many champions in the future.”

Frizell said it won’t be hard for future athletes to get motivated when they come from a town like hers.

“It definitely keeps me going every day and it’s something I keep in my back pocket when I’m training,” she said.

“You’re exhausted and you don’t want to go to training but you know you’ve got your whole town behind you and your country supporting you – it’s something I use for motivation.”

Both she and Millar said they plan on going to 2016’s Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, while Tritton said he’s still thinking it over.

With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Katie Griffin