The excitement was already high in the room with Olympian Rosie MacLennan showing off her London 2012 gold medal. But it was another medal with London connections that was going to steal the show.

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was presented to Banff Lake Louise Tourism president and CEO Julie Canning at a reception Friday, Sept. 7 welcoming MacLennan to town before she took part in the Subaru Banff Triathlon.

MP Blake Richards presented Canning with the medal, which she has been awarded for her contributions to tourism.

"She has made outstanding contributions to this community and the tourism community across Canada," Richards said.

"She's also been a huge part of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada."

It's that tourism organization that nominated Canning for the prestigious award. And that nomination was a big surprise to Canning.

"I'm totally surprised. It arrived today and I had no idea," she said. "I'm ecstatic and overwhelmed."

The Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. Throughout the year, 60,000 Canadians will be awarded the medal which both honours the queen and Canadians who have made significant contributions to the country.

"After five years of great special events in Banff National Park, to be recognized by the industry and my peers is a great honour," Canning said.

"My mom is going to be so proud of me."

larissa.barlow@sunmedia.ca