An architect from St Albans has become the first Briton to be rewarded for his outstanding service to the Olympic Movement.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded Geraint John the Pierre de Coubertin medal for his work.

Geraint has been a Senior Adviser to Populous since 1996, a global sports design practice and architects behind three Olympic stadia (Sydney 2000, London 2012 and Sochi 2014).

He was also Chief Architect and Head of the Technical Unit for Sport at the GB Sports Council for 21 years, and is Honorary Life President of the International Union of Architects (UIA) Sports and Leisure Programme Group, of which he was been a member for more than 25 years.

Through these roles, Geraint helped produce the IOC's Sustainable Stadia Guide and advised on the permanent stadia exhibition at the recently renovated Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, the largest archive of Olympic Games memorabilia in the world.

Mr John said: "To be the first British recipient of this award is quite overwhelming. 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."

Sir Craig Reedie, Vice-President of the IOC, said: "The Pierre de Coubertin medal reflects the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship. Geraint has proved to be a great friend to the Olympic community, both in Britain and around the world, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Olympic design. The award of the Pierre de Coubertin medal is the richly-deserved recognition of a lifetime of service."