South African Olympic silver medallist Khotso Mokoena came back home and received a hero-like welcome on Saturday, the SABC reported .

The former world junior long jump champion recorded a distance of 8.24m to win the silver medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Hundreds of fans, family and friends were on hand to welcome Mokoena at the O.R. Tambo International airport on Saturday morning.

He said he was humbled by the support he had received from the country. He said this inspired him during the Beijing Olympic Games.

Mokoena has been hailed as a true hero and a shining example to the youth of the country.

Mokoena's parents said he made them more than proud by bringing back a silver medal to South Africa.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2008)