Marina was one of the 11 women who saved Spain's reputation at a rather disappointing games in London, which saw the country take home just 14 medals and very few golds.

She won the most coveted prize in the world in the RS:X sailing class.

As well as the flag, the yachtswoman was given a gold replica of the Giraldillo, the monument at the peak of Sevilla's famous Giralda tower.

Now one of Spain's most popular women, Marina is looking forward to another presentation in Tarifa (Cádiz) on Thursday evening.

Her proud parents, friends and teammates witnessed her homecoming ceremony, in which she recounted various anecdotes about her time at the games - including when she crossed the finishing line and could not find her trainer anywhere, only to discover that he was surrounded by journalists and could not escape.