Hundreds of fans of Caster Semenya (in yellow and green tracksuit) mobbed the athlete as she touched down in South Africa following a World Championship during which officials confirmed they were investigating her gender.
Fans waited for hours at Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport to catch a glimpse of the new 800m world champion, who has become a huge celebrity in her home country.
Every available space in the airport was filled with smiling faces and chanting groups - some fans turning up before sunrise.
One of Ms Semenya's fans let the emotion of the day get to him.
With the stress of the public attention and having to undergo tests to prover her gender, Ms Semenya appeared generally subdued on her return. However, she did occasionally smile and even briefly joined in the dancing.
And the crowd were not disappointed - amid a carnival atmosphere at the airport her fans were vocal in proclaiming their support.
Leaving the cheering crowds behind, the 18-year-old then made an appearance at a press conference before meeting President Jacob Zuma (R)
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