Denny Morrison gives Olympic silver medal to speed skating teammate Gilmore Junio

The heartwarming story of Canadian speed skaters Gilmore Junio and Denny Morrison at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, has become a legendary tale in Canada’s Olympic history. Junio made a selfless decision to give up his spot in the men’s 1,000 metres race so that his teammate Morrison could compete instead.

In a touching gesture of gratitude, Morrison handed over the silver medal he won in the race to Junio during a ceremony at Calgary’s Olympic Oval. As a banner was raised to honor Morrison’s career in World Cup racing, he felt it was the perfect moment to acknowledge Junio’s sacrifice.

“I couldn’t have won a silver medal without what he did for me. Thank you is not enough,” Morrison expressed. Junio, who introduced Morrison during the ceremony, was surprised and deeply touched by the gesture. “Denny has been one of my best friends for a long time, so to get this from him means a lot,” Junio shared.

Morrison, a decorated Olympian with multiple medals to his name, including a bronze in the 1,500 meters in Sochi, decided to retire in 2020. Junio, on the other hand, a three-time Olympian, hung up his skates after the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.

In a further display of camaraderie, Morrison announced the creation of a teammate award in Junio’s name, along with a $2,500 bursary to be awarded annually for the next ten years to deserving recipients. The award aims to recognize the unsung heroes who support and uplift their teammates on their journey to success.

The bond between Junio and Morrison was solidified by a moment of true sportsmanship at the 2014 Winter Games. After Morrison fell short in the trials and did not qualify for the 1,000 meters, Junio willingly gave up his spot, leading to Morrison’s silver medal win and Junio’s enduring legacy as a selfless teammate.

As Morrison contemplated sharing the medal with Junio, he ultimately decided to present the whole medal to his friend, complete with scratches and dings from their joint school visits over the years. The two athletes cherish the story and see it as a testament to their teamwork and friendship.

Morrison, who retired with four Olympic speedskating medals, and Junio, who now works in human resources in Calgary, have left a lasting impact on the sport with their inspiring partnership. Their story serves as a reminder of the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that transcends the pursuit of medals and accolades.