"Obviously I couldn't imagine that one day I would be elected as the IJF General Secretary but since I was elected to the Executive Committee several years ago, I realised that this was something that could become a reality and that the possibility would be offered to me. I was really interested in the world of the GS and I believe that my skillset was aligned to the work of the department.
I am really happy to be the General Secretary now and being elected unanimously was overwhelming. That level of trust was incredible and I'm ready to continue the impressive work of Jean-Luc Rougé.
I am so thankful to Jean-Luc. Since I began, he was amazing with me. When I became the London Olympic Games Competition Manager, he was the first person to invite me to Paris to work with his team, so I could learn. I didn't know how to organise a competition. He taught me how to do it. He has been a fantastic GS for the IJF.
Obvisouly, I can not thank President Vizer enough as well. He gave me the opportunity to be part of this judo family. He is an inspirational leader who has revolutionised judo. The progress of our sport under Mr Vizer's leadership has been phenomenal, judo has exploded exponentially in a very positive way.
My ultimate goal now is to have an active sustainable relationship with national federations and continental unions. We all have to work in the same direction to keep judo as an amazing Olympic sport and a sport with values, to create a better society. I want to help all those who are ready to develop our sport. I have seen that many national federations are already following our lead and we will keep working to make judo a fantastic development tool.
I spent beautiful years as Events Director and I loved every single second of it but I felt that it was time to move on, to find new challenges and to keep growing as a person and to contribute in another way to judo."
There is no doubt that Dr Lisa Allan will bring the IJF General Secretariat her professionalism and generosity. It is certain that all national federation and judo family members are looking forward to working with her.