Team Canada Sochi 2014: Junio Gifts Morrison Silver Medal Spot

Denny Morrison won a speedskating silver medal in the 1,000 metres Wednesday, but it never would have happened if it weren’t for a selfless act by his teammate, Gilmore Junio.

After Junio qualified for the event, he decided to give his spot to Morrison. Back in December, Morrison was on his way to qualifying for the Olympic event himself, but fell on the backstretch. He was gassed after that race and didn’t finish among the top four in his next heat, meaning he wouldn’t have a chance to race in his best distance. Morrison is a two-time World Championship silver medalist in the 1,000 metres, while it’s likely Junio’s weakest distance.

Keep track of all of Team Canada’s Sochi 2014 events with our interactive calendar, in Eastern Standard Time.

So, when Team Canada coaches approached Junio about the idea of giving Morrison his spot, the 23-year-old Olympic rookie didn’t hesitate.

“What everyone sees are the individual parts of the sport, there’s a huge team dynamic,” Junio told reporters. “We train together (in Calgary) all year. I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in without guys like Jamie Gregg and Denny Morrison, who really helped me develop as a skater. The amount that Denny has helped me from 2010 to now is incredible.”

Morrison responded with a great race Wednesday, finishing just a second back of Stefan Groothuis of the Netherlands.

“After what [Junio] did, it made it even more special,” Morrison told reporters. “Giving up your spot is unprecedented. I feel like getting my medal and cutting in half because he deserves it.”

Canada currently sits tied for second overall with 10 medals at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, two back of Norway.

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