Geraint John, an established senior advisor at Populous, is today (28 November) being awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for outstanding services to the Olympic Movement.

Populous is a global sports design and architecture practice and has worked on several Olympic projects including Sydney 2000, London 2012 and Sochi 2014.

John is the first architect, and indeed Briton, to ever receive the Pierre de Coubertin medal. Named in honour of the man who founded the modern Olympic Games, the medal is awarded by the IOC to individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to sport and the legacy of the Olympics.

This is more than the case for John, who has made a “significant contribution to the IOC’s promotion of environmental and sustainable sports facilities that deliver lasting Olympic and Paralympic legacies” according to a statement.

Commenting on the award, Geraint John said: “Architecture has and will continue to provide exceptional service to the Olympic Movement and I accept this award on behalf of all the talented people from so many countries that I have been fortunate to work alongside.”