Gymnast Rhys McClenaghan won a gold medal in the vaulting event for Team Ireland at the Paris Olympics, while swimmer Jack McMillan won gold in the men's relay event for Team GB.
At a special homecoming event in Co Down on Friday, they said they were proud of their success and supported each other in every way they could.
They were part of an event organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council for the 10 athletes from the borough competing for Team Ireland or Team Great Britain at this summer's Olympic Games.
Mary Peters, who won gold for Great Britain at the 1972 Olympics, and Communities Secretary Gordon Lyons joined McClenaghan and McMillan, as well as fellow Olympians runner Rachel McCann and hockey player Michael Robson, on stage for the event at Conway Square in Newtownards, in front of a large crowd on Friday evening.
McClenaghan arrived at the event in an open-top car to loud cheers and calls for an autograph and a selfie.
He told the crowd that he had promised the people of Newtownard when switching on the Christmas lights in December that he would do everything he could to bring back the town's first Olympic medal.
“And it's gold,” he said to cheers. “I'm so proud to say I've prepared for this Olympics in my home town of Newtownards.
“Even before I went to the Olympic Games in Paris, I felt the support in this city and I felt like I had already won. But I had to go there, do my job, take the Olympic gold medal home and show it to you.”
He then paid tribute to the work Peters has done to promote sport in Northern Ireland and support emerging athletes.
“Mary Peters has done more for sport in Northern Ireland than anyone else,” he said, turning to her on stage and adding: “You have set the bar high and it will be difficult to follow, but I will do my utmost to use this gold medal and realise the responsibility I have to inspire the younger generations.”
McClenaghan previously answered a question about whether all athletes from Northern Ireland have a good bond despite competing for different countries. He replied: “I would say so, because we all come from the same place.
“When I was younger I swam in the same place as Jack and we all share a very similar story. It doesn't matter what nationality you compete for, we support each other in any way we can.
“I'm thrilled to see Northern Ireland achieving success, from the Ards and North Down Borough.
“Like two Olympic gold medals for Ards and North Down Borough. That's incredible and I hope everyone can take a little bit of inspiration from it, not to mention the nationality.”
McMillan said: “I think it's extra special that we represent two different countries but as Northern Ireland we can still act as one.
“Northern Ireland were obviously very successful during these Games, so that was very special.
“I think it strengthens the bond between us all and hopefully it inspires the nation, especially the people coming up.
“It doesn't matter if you represent Great Britain or Ireland, we are one. But if you put all that aside, it's just sport.
“It's great for the sport and for the country.”
McClenaghan added: “Times are changing.”
The Games were Northern Ireland's most successful, with athletes from the region winning a record seven medals, four of them gold.
The homecoming events took place on Tuesday for gold and bronze medallist swimmer Daniel Wiffen in Magheralin and for gold medallist rower Hannah Scott on Wednesday in Coleraine.
Earlier this week, Mr Lyons said an official event would be held later this year to celebrate Northern Ireland's success at the Olympic Games.
The event is open to the public and also honours the athletes competing in the Paralympic Games, which begin in Paris later this month.
“I want to honor our Olympians, not just those who won medals but those who participated, because it is an incredible achievement,” he said.
“I want to honor them and make sure we leave a lasting legacy.
“My officials have been instructed by me to organize a celebration that is in keeping with the fantastic achievements we have seen in Paris.”