The International Canoe Federation has honored the memory of three-time Olympian and former member of the International Olympic Committee Phil Coles, who died in Sydney at the age of 91. ICF President Thomas Konietzko said that Australian Coles was not only an outstanding canoe rower, but also a passionate fan of the Olympic movement and made a significant contribution to the success of numerous Olympic Games. Coles competed in the 1960, '64, and '68 Olympic Games in sprint canoeing, and after retiring he held several important administrative positions. He worked for the IOC from 1982 to 2011 and was instrumental in hosting the 2000 Olympic Games in his native Sydney. "Phil Coles has been an amazing representative of our sport, first as an athlete and then as a fierce advocate of canoeing on a global level. For many people, it would be enough to participate in three Olympic Games. But our sport was very lucky that Phil wanted to continue contributing to the development of canoeing for many years after he put his kayak in the barn. We were very lucky that Phil visited us at our Tokyo Kayaking and canoeing Stadium in 2021, the same venue where he competed as captain of the Australian K4 1000 metres team in 1964. It was a very emotional event," Mr. Konitsko said During his visit to the Tokyo Olympic facility in 2021, he took four Olympic badges, one from each of his team, and threw them into the lake where they competed in 1964. He said it was his way of perpetuating the Olympic spirit, to which he devoted most of his life. In a vibrant Olympic career, Coles played an important role in ensuring the participation of Australian athletes at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, contrary to the expressed desire of the Australian government at the time. IOC President Thomas Bach mentioned the role Phil Coles played in 1980, paying tribute to the Australian. "He played a key role in bringing the Australian Olympic team to the Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980, despite all requests for a boycott. For the rest of his life, he was proud to have brought these athletes to the Olympic Stadium. His love for the Olympic Games was at the center of his life. Personally, I have lost a wonderful friend with whom I shared so many moments of our Olympic life. I will never forget that touching friendliness and his sense of humor," Bach said. Paddle Australia president Andrea McQuitty said Coles' death would be deeply felt in the rowing community. "Phil's contribution to our rowing community has been tremendous, as a respected athlete and sports administrator. Long after he represented Australia, he continued to support our sport both here and abroad. His passion for the Olympic movement and lifelong commitment to protecting all sports internationally have made him a true leader who will be sorely missed. It was an honor to see Phil cheer for our team at the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo, at the same venue where he was captain of our men's K4 team in 1964. On behalf of our entire community, I extend my condolences to Phil's family and friends. We will all miss him."