Jon Rudd, Plymouth College Director of Swimming and coach to Olympic gold medallist Ruta Meilutyte, has received honours in Lithuania this week. The state decoration of the 'Cross of the Knight of the Order for Merits', was bestowed upon Jon this week by Dalia Grybauskaite, the President of the Republic of Lithuania (see picture) in a formal ceremony held at the nations Presidential Palace in Vilnius. The decree on the conferment of the state decoration declares that this has been awarded to Jon for merits in the development of sports in Lithuania and in recognition of commitment and dedication to achieving victory at the Olympic Games in London.
In a letter to Jon, who is also Head Coach of Plymouth Leander, President Grybauskaite wrote, "I would like to extend my sincere thanks for your contribution in training Ruta to represent Lithuania in the London 2012 Olympic Games. Your outstanding talent and persistent daily effort have brought us Olympic gold. Hard work, wise advice, psychological support and your ability to steer the athlete to the right path, which you as a true professional demonstrated, have yielded brilliant and joyful results to Lithuania. Thank you for your energy and efforts that inspired and led your protégé to victory. Please accept my best wishes for your strength and success."
Later into the day, Jon was presented with a second award, that of the 'Olympic Gold Star', the highest honour that the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee can bestow upon an individual. Ruta's performance at the XXX Olympic Games in London saw her break the European Record on her way to claiming gold, making her the fastest female breaststroker ever in a textile swim suit and all at the tender age of 15.
Jon said: "I was extremely honoured to receive these two awards from the President, the Olympic Committee and the people of Lithuania as I understand what a proud nation they are. Ruta's success means so much to them and I was delighted to share the euphoria that Lithuania felt and still feel today. We will of course continue in our best efforts with Ruta; she has the World (25m pool) Championships in Istanbul in December and the World (50m pool) Championships in Barcelona in July. These are our prime short term targets as we prepare to defend her Olympic title in Rio."
