Dr Hughes has been appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for his outstanding service to sports medicine, which includes his decade of caring for the nation’s high performance athletes at the AIS.

In a career that has spanned 33 years, Dr Hughes has also worked with a number of sporting teams, including the Brumbies, Wallabies, Canberra Raiders, Australian Opals, Manchester City FC, and served as the Medical Director for the Australian Team at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Tokyo is one of Dr Hughes’ proudest achievements. As Medical Director, he helped keep the Australian team COVID-free, allowing the athletes to go on to achieve the country’s equal-biggest gold medal haul.

“Getting all the athletes and support staff (about a thousand people in total) into Tokyo, perform and get out again safely, was a huge task.” Dr Hughes said.

“No one was 100% sure how Tokyo would go and to return from Tokyo without having had a single COVID case and without having had a single person put into quarantine by Japanese authorities, allowing our athletes and coaches to enjoy one of the most successful Olympics, was very rewarding.”

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said Dr Hughes’ contribution to sport and the nation’s sporting success can not be underestimated.

“On behalf of the Australian Sporting Commission, I would like to congratulate David on this well-deserved honour,” Mr Perkins said.

“His impact on Australian sport has been immense. David has not only shown incredible dedication and care in his treatment of athletes, but he has also been a leader in sport due to his research and advice on important topics including concussion and COVID-19.

“Congratulations David and thank you for all you have given and continue to give to sport.”