Earlier today, former CEO of the Australian Sports Commission and Director of the Australian Institute of Sport Ron Harvey became the first Australian to receive the prestigious De Coubertin medal.

The Pierre de Coubertin medal is awarded by the International Olympic Committee to people and organisations who make an outstanding contribution to the promotion of the Olympic spirit. It was established in 1997 in memory of the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Baron De Coubertin.

Ron Harvey has led a long, distinguished and highly successful sporting career spanning more than 50 years.

He was a long-time basketballer player and coach and leading sports administrator who served as director of the Australian Institute of Sport from 1987 to 1988 and as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Commission from 1988 to 1989.

Throughout his career he has made a tremendous contribution to the development and growth of Australian sport.

‘I have enjoyed every minute of my involvement,’ Harvey said at today’s awards ceremony. ‘It has been a fantastic continuing journey. The athletes make you proud to be an Australian and make all your efforts worthwhile.’

‘The Olympic movement in Australia reflects the spirit of our nation and we should all be proud of what has been achieved by our Olympians past and present.’

Harvey’s other key achievements include serving as Director of the Football Federation of Australia (2004–7) and a member of the Marketing and Television Advisory Board of FIFA (2005–7). He has been a member of the Australian Olympic Committee executive since 1993 and in 2001 was appointed Vice President.

In addition to being the first Australian recipient of a De Coubertin medal, Harvey was awarded the Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1981 and a Member of the Order of Australia in 1999.

Footnote:

It should be noted here that Justin Harley McDonald was the first Australian to be awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Fair Play Trophy in 1994.