Alberta medal recipient from Queen Elizabeth II reflects on meeting her
Tyler Bailer was just 17 years old when he saved his step-father's life. Little did he know, it would earn him an opportunity to meet the Queen.
"I just heard this loud thud and it was actually my step-father collapsing, so I ran upstairs, kind of assessed the situation and started doing CPR right away on him," he said.
"I was always told that’s one of the reasons why he’s with us now still, is because of my quick actions and the training that I had."
Lifesaving sport is a combination of Olympic swimming and lifesaving elements, like CPR and rescue tactics. It's recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation and governed by the Lifesaving Society.
Bailer was nominated for the Russell medal, an award for a rescuer under 18 and invited to Buckingham Palace to receive his award.
"When I first got that call, I was like it’s gotta be a scam or something, like there’s no way," he said. "About a year later, that’s where I ended up being."
He was one of three to receive an award that day, Bailer said, and got to meet the head of the society: Queen Elizabeth.
"It was super nerve-wracking, like I’m meeting the Queen," he said. "Like I’m from Wetaskiwin in Alberta, it’s like no one ever meets the Queen from over here, and here I am getting thrust into this situation."
Bailer explains that the Queen spoke to each person individually before they were given their medals, and he said she asked him about his family, and the two talked about the rescue.
"She was very soft spoken, she was quite witty," he adds. "I remember, I was almost afraid to shake her hand because I didn’t want to like grab her too hard or hurt her."
Despite meeting the Queen, Bailer said he was never really one to follow along in the affairs of the royal family. So, he said, he didn't expect to feel so sad when he heard the Queen had died.
"I was quite surprised. It kind of hit me in a different way I wasn’t really expecting it to," he said, adding that he is close to the age she was when she ascended to the throne.
"It just hit me."
Bailer said he's recently been looking at some of the photos from that meeting and reliving the moment. His medal is safely tucked away, and though he hasn't seen it in a while, he said it's more precious now that she's gone.
"I think it has more sentimental value to it now," he said. "I was actually given something by [her], from her, and I think it adds that little more value to myself anyway."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.