German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has received the nation’s medallists from this year’s Beijing Olympics and Paralympics and awarded them with the highest sports order, the Silver Laurel Leaf. The group of 26 women and 31 men received the award during a ceremony on Monday at the presidential residence, Bellevue Palace in Berlin. Steinmeier said the athletes “have become role models, especially for children and youths” – not only for them to become top athletes and medallists as well but “they also encourage many people to seek joy and personal fulfilment in sport.” The Silver Laurel Lea…