Crain's Chicago Business said the season premiere episode, which was taped in front of about 5,000 people, is to air Monday.

Among those who turned out to honor the athletes were Mayor Richard M. Daley, his wife, Maggie, and several Chicago aldermen.

"I speak for millions of Americans when I say: Team USA, you made us stand taller," Winfrey told the Olympians who gathered at Pritzker Pavillion, wearing their medals.

"It's been a whirlwind," Crain's quoted 14-time gold medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps as saying. "There's nothing like being back and seeing your country again."

Throughout the taping, the athletes watched highlights from last month's Olympic Games in Beijing and talked to Winfrey about their experiences and feelings. Chicago is a candidate city for the 2016 Games.