Manchester Olympic Parade Sees Imposters Blag Their Way Into Event With Plastic Medals

'We got the medals and we just thought, you know, we’d give it a go.'

A pair of young men managed to blag their way into joining the Olympic and Paralympic heroes parade in Manchester using Team GB tracksuits and plastic medals.

The imposters, who have not been identified, initially claimed to be part of the fencing team - only to crumble and admit they were pranksters when questioned by a Sky News journalist.

One of them said: “We got the medals and we just thought, you know, we’d give it a go.

“We actually got ushered on, it was actually completely against our will.

“We blag something every now and then but we’re going to get off at the next stop.”

Team GB's gymnastics athletes during the parade
Team GB's gymnastics athletes during the parade
Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Sky News reported that they left the float when asked.

According to the Manchester Evening News, a spokesman for the British Olympic Association said: “We are aware of the matter, and are disappointed anyone would want to detract from the athletes’ celebration.

“This did not spoil anyone’s enjoyment of a wonderful event.”

More than 150,000 people lined the streets of Manchester despite the rain on Monday evening to welcome home Team GB and ParalympicGB athletes.

GB's Olympic and Paralympic athletes on stage during the homecoming event
GB's Olympic and Paralympic athletes on stage during the homecoming event
Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Dame Sarah Storey, Max Whitlock, Jade Jones and Nicola Adams were among those in attendance.

Kaiser Chiefs and X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson performed in the city’s Albert Square to the massed crowds, after the parade.

A similar event took place in London on Tuesday afternoon.

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