Dr David Hemery CBE honoured with European Olympic Laurel Award

Published: 09 Jan 2012   updated: 13 Sep 2012

21st Century Legacy are delighted to congratulate Dr David Hemery CBE on becoming the first Briton to be awarded the prestigious European Olympic Committees' (EOC) 2011 Laurel Award.

This is the Press Release from the Press Association which featured in the Daily Mail, Inside the Games and on the British Olympic Association website.

David Hemery, Britain's 1968 Olympic 400 metres hurdles champion, has won the European Olympic Committee's (EOC) 2011 Laurel Award.

The Laurel Award is given to a person from Europe who has achieved remarkable sporting merit and performed outstanding services for sport in their country.

Hemery, the British Olympic Association's (BOA) vice- chairman, is not only an Olympic champion and a former world record-holder but also an academic and an ex-teacher who encourages grassroots participation and self-esteem among Britain's youth.

Gloucestershire-born Hemery, 67, said: "It is a great privilege for me to have received this award.

"I have enjoyed every aspect of my involvement in sport including competing, coaching, writing, educating and now developing young people.

"I was very surprised by this honour and am grateful to receive it."

He received the award at the 40th EOC General Assembly in Sochi, Russia.

BOA chairman Lord Moynihan described Hemery as "one of Europe's great Olympic champions and a very worthy recipient" adding that his contribution to the Olympic Movement has been "immense". He said: "We, the BOA board and staff, are delighted for David and wish him our most sincere congratulations."