First, Max Whitlock became the country’s first gymnast to claim Olympic gold, earning a shock victory on the floor, before Justin Rose rolled-in a birdie on the 18th to win the first Olympic golf title won by anyone since St Louis 1904. It was also Britain’s first ever title in golf, improving on the silver medal won by the great Walter Rutherford at Paris 1900.

Whatever Whitlock could manage, Rose could match. Or not, as it turned out, as the man from Hemel Hempstead triumphed again on the pommel horse ahead of team-mate Louis Smith to ensure Britain’s wait for a second gymnastics gold medal lasted all of 103 minutes.

A second British 1-2 followed barely an hour later when Jason Kenny outthought and outfought Callum Skinner in the individual sprint cycling. Andy Murray then became the first person to defend a tennis singles title with a mesmerising four hour victory over Argentinian rival Juan Martin Del Potro.

While all of this was going on, Giles Scott guaranteed himself a gold medal with a race to spare in the Fnn class, sailing to claim his country’s fifth successive win in the event, following Iain Percy at Sydney 2000 and Sir Ben Ainslie at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. 

A lot has been written about why Britain has made such a remarkable improvement in the two decades since they managed only one gold medal at Atlanta 1996. National Lottery funding has been key, providing financial support for athletes, as well as facilities, a virtually unparalleled professionalism and attention to detail, superb coaches and a ruthless medals-at-all-cost mentality.

What struck me, however, was the differences and similarities between the five men who struck gold. On the face of it, there were huge differences. Rose’s career prize money before Rio 2016 stood at £28.4 million ($36.6 million/€32.8 million). Andy Murray’s is even higher, at £38.4 million ($49.4 million/€44.1 million). This does not include sponsorship or endorsement deals. 

The internet does not record the career earnings of Whitlock, Kenny and Scott but I think it is fair to assume that, even combined, their total earnings from their sport are less than one per cent of Rose's or Murray's. 

In short, these latter three are classic Olympians. Men little known outside of the sporting bubble who come to prominence every four years before quickly fading back again. This is not just because of their sports; their personalities are also important. Kenny speculated last month that he does not have a personal sponsor ahead of Rio 2016 because he is not “pretty” and does not have looks like diving medallist Tom Daley.

“It wasn’t meant to be moaning,” he admitted here. “I’m just not very marketable. I’ve come to accept that. I like flying under the radar a little bit.” 

He wasn't being bitter, he just accepted that's how it is. 

Whitlock, who appears far less outgoing than his team-mate, the reality television star Louis Smith, a former winner of Strictly Come Dancing, could also be another multiple Olympic gold medallist who's happier to concentrate on his art rather than chase the pounds he could do if he wanted. 

But, for this one day, and this one day only, all five were equal. And if they did meet for a celebratory drink later they would have discovered that they actually have a lot in common. 

All came from relatively humble origins, all have taken a model approach of ruthless professionalism towards winning and all have remained grounded following their success.  

Murray moved to Barcelona as a teenager in the hope of making it as a tennis player. He succeeded, winning junior Grand Slam titles before making his Wimbledon debut in 2005, winning twice before going two sets up in the third round against Argentina's former finalist David Nalbandian. 

He lost, in five sets, as his lanky 18-year-old body proved unable to cope with the rigours of the professional game. It took huge time and effort for him to adapt, but the Murray who went toe-to-toe with Del Potro last night was a physical, mental and tactical beast.

Rose, too, struggled after bursting into the public eye when he chipped in on the 18th green to finish fourth as a “skinny” amateur at the 1998 Open Championships. He missed the cut in his first 21 events after turning professional and failed to retain his European card in 2000 before eventually making the grade. No glamour here then either for the 2013 US Open winner.

Scott and Kenny have both taken time to break out of the shadow of illustrious team-mates Sir Ben and Sir Chris Hoy, while Whitlock too, has struggled to overcome Smith in the public eye, if not on the pommel horse.

The gymnast, cyclist and sailor have all been part of phenomenally successful British teams who lead the world in terms of coaching, facilities and support.

This was Whitlock, Kenny and Scott's chance to shine, their one opportunity every four years to become household names - even if only for a few days. 

Yet, it is clear, that both Murray and Rose took Olympics very seriously as well, and, certainly in the case of Rose, to a greater extent than any of his rivals. 

Rose planned his year around the Olympics, and ordered his caddie to scout the course at first light every morning to get an extra advantage. Murray also prioritised the Games despite his hectic schedule and pulled-out of last month’s Davis Cup tie to allow extra rest.

Rose, whose wife is a former gymnast he met when she worked for IMG, comes across as a distinctly normal bloke. He is far removed from the histrionics of some of his rivals and Ryder Cup team-mates, particularly those who opted not to compete here (not that I am pointing any fingers Rory, really I'm not...) He has also impressed all those in the British team by the way he has mingled and mixed with other athletes during these Olympics.

The reaction of both Rose and Murray to winning shows that it huge amount to them, just as it did for Scott, Whitlock and Kenny.

Everyone is equal on Team GB - as long as they are winning, of course...