Brazilian long jumper Maurren Maggi, who claimed the country's first Olympic track and field gold medal, received a hero's welcome when she returned home with great fame on Tuesday.

Shortly after her plane landed, Maggi was taken to a joint press conference in Sao Paul by helicopter.

Speaking at the high-profile press conference, a delighted Maggi said, "On the day I was rewarded the gold medal, I celebrated with my friends till very late at night."

"For all the night I dare not sleep, holding the gold medal in my hands. I was afraid that upon waking up, I would find all these only a dream," she said.

Maggi said she will try hard to guarantee she attend the 2012 London Olympics in her best condition, though the 32-year-old long jumper will be 36 by then.

The champion will be honored with a parade in an open car afterthe press conference, like Cesar Cielo who won the country its first gold medal at Beijing Olympics.

The government of Sao Carlos, Maggi's hometown, said they are going to set up a 7.04-meter-high statue of Maggi on the city's square, to symbolize the 7.04 meters she leapt to secure the gold medal.

Maggi was also rewarded with 100,000 Brazil real (US$60,000) and a trip to Disney Land in the United States.

Maggi won the women's long jump gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games on August 22.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2008)