Nick Thierry, the late founder and publisher of SwimNews Magazine and SwimNews.com, was last night  honoured by the Canadian Olympic Committee with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

He was one of 41 individuals to be recognized for their exceptional work within the Canadian high-performance sport community. All nominated candidates were evaluated by a formal selection committee, chaired by International Olympic Committee member Richard Pound, and including three-time Olympic medallist Catriona Le May Doan, and Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut.

"We are proud to have the unique opportunity to honour this exceptional Canadian for his contributions to fellow citizens, communities, and country," said Aubut, in his letter of announcement.

Karin Helmstaedt, former Canadian international, a SwimNews writer for many years and now a journalist and TV presenter based in Berlin, nominated Nick for the award. Read what Karin wrote when news of the award reached us back in February.

The award granted posthumously, Nick's brother George in the United States and Karin away in Europe, former SwimNews photographer and internet business partner Marco Chiesa, based in Toronto, accepted the award on behalf of Nick.