Brazil's swimmer Cesar Cielo Filho, champion of men's 50m swimming freestyle at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, received a warm reception upon his arrival at Sao Paulo's airport on Tuesday.

On August 16, 21-year-old captured Brazil's first-ever Olympic swimming gold by taking the blue-ribbon event - men's 50m freestyle in 21.30 seconds, an Olympic record time. He also won 100 freestyle bronze earlier.

He told a press conference that "I have not slept for 28 hours, but the victory makes me awake and powerful."

"I feel very exited that I have been recognized by all the people, and this is the most wonderful moment for my life."

When Cielo knew his grandfather passed away last month, he said "my grandpa has gone to Heaven. I will present my medal to him, my parents and the people who give me so much help."

The Sao Paulo municipal government staged a parade in honor of the winner.

When asked whether he will participate in the 2012 London Olympics, Cielo said he has no time to consider the matter, but he will first prepare for the World Championship next year.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2008)