High praise today from Susie O’Neill for John Coates’ Queens Birthday award.

The Olympic swimming champion said Coates “thoroughly deserves his Queen’s Birthday honour.”

“John Coates has been a real asset for the Olympic Movement in Australia, especially the athletes. To have a real professional in charge has meant Australian athletes are looked after better than most other athletes around the world.

“John puts 110% into his role and at the end of the day always has the athletes well being at heart,” she said.

“In the International Olympic world John is a highly respected figure and many look to him as a role model on how to run a National Olympic committee.”

The AOC President received Australia’s highest award, a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC).

He was recognised “for service to the development of sport nationally and internationally through the Olympic movement promoting the well being of youth and values of tolerance, understanding, peace and mutual respect between peoples of the world.”

"I see this as recognition for the good work and the role the Olympic movement plays in Australia," Coates said.

"In recent years Australia has played a greater part in the international Olympic movement, hosting the Games and then through the performances of our teams.

"The Australian Olympic Committee has a very important place in Australian society and I take great satisfaction in that."

AOC