Dr Hughes, Chair of the AOC Medical Commission, has been recognised with an Order of Australia for his significant service to sports medicine as an administrator and elite athlete physician.

AOC President Ian Chesterman says the Olympic movement in Australia is incredibly grateful for David Hughes’ contribution as Medical Director for the Australian Olympic Team in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and most recently in his role as Chair of the AOC’s Medical Commission.

“David’s leadership and meticulous planning for Tokyo 2020 laid the foundation of the success of the Australian Team at those Games. Not one instance of COVID in a Team of 486 athletes and 447 support staff, in the midst of a global pandemic. That was quite extraordinary.

“His unique understanding of the requirements of our athletes, their sports and the Games organisers, was at the heart of his planning, coupled with his first-class communications skills.

“David's capacity to instil confidence in these processes and practices ensured he had the full confidence of athletes, sports as well as his colleagues in the senior management of the Australian Olympic Team. The results achieved by the Australian Olympic Team in Tokyo are testament to David Hughes' experience and skills.

“Last year the AOC awarded David our highest honour, the Order of Merit. He has served on a variety of roles in a 30-year career in sports medicine. His Olympic experience began as Opals team doctor in the London 2012 campaign and he is currently Chair, International Olympic Chief Medical Officers' Group. He is a global leader in delivering sports medical services at the elite level, further evidenced by his ten years at the helm as Chief Medical Officer at the Australian Institute of Sport.

“He is most deserving of this recognition from a grateful nation,” Mr Chesterman concluded.