with the family who supported him. >> he wouldn't be here. >> and discus thrower valerie almon knows what that is like reuniting with her parents. >> they were there in spirit but oh, gosh to come home and to have them here, that was so nice. [ applause ] >> reporter: for these athletes the world's most powerful, it's where they find strength. home once again reminding each olympian how many people were always on their team. >> when you're at the game and you're in the moment, you know, you're just taking it moment by moment but i think that this is the first times it really hit me and being able to celebrate with the people that mean the most to me is so special. >> and a big welcome home to all our olympians. that's it for tonight's "nightly news." stay tuned for coverage of thech stay tuned for coverage of thech closing c