Denny Morrison Awards Gilmore Junio his Silver Olympic Medal
February 11, 2025
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A Decade Later, The Thanks Gilmore Project Lives On
In Canada, success isn’t just about winning, it’s about lifting each other up. In 2014, Gilmore Junio, a Canadian speedskater, made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up his Olympic spot so his teammate Denny Morrison could race.
There’s something unmistakable about the Canadian spirit—an unshakable, quiet strength rooted in the idea that no one gets left behind. It’s a value that plays out in big moments on the world stage and in everyday interactions that define our culture.
From holding doors open in the dead of winter to rallying behind a neighbour in need, Canadians have built an identity around showing up for one another. We aren’t just a country of individuals—we are a collective bound by a deep sense of responsibility to lift each other up.
Back in 2014, at the Sochi Winter Olympics, Gilmore Junio, a Canadian speedskater from Calgary, made an incredible sacrifice, giving up his spot so his teammate Denny Morrison could race. Morrison won silver, but the real victory? A lesson in selflessness and teamwork that still inspires us today.
That kind of character doesn’t just disappear. Now, in January 2025, Morrison is the one passing something on, gifting his Olympic silver medal to Junio—a gesture that recognizes the true weight of what happened that day. The medal may have been won on the ice, but the story behind it was built on something even more enduring: loyalty.
At Jacknife, this hit home. We knew Gilmore Junio’s selfless act at the 2014 Olympics inspired a nation, and we knew it deserved to be celebrated in a lasting way. Just weeks after the Olympics, we launched The Thanks, Gilmore Project —a national crowdfunding initiative to create a one-of-a-kind commemorative medal for Junio, designed by our team and backed by the heartfelt support of hundreds of Canadians. On May 14, 2014, we had the honour of awarding it to him, ensuring his sacrifice would be remembered as a defining moment of true Canadian sportsmanship.
Because here’s the thing: Canadians don’t just watch from the sidelines—we step in, we step up, and we make sure that no act of selflessness goes unnoticed. Whether it’s on an Olympic stage, in our communities, or in our workplaces, we understand that success is never just about one person. It’s about what we build together.
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As Morrison passes his medal to Junio, we’re reminded of what it means to be Canadian. It means recognizing those who put the team first. It means standing by each other when it matters most. And it means that sometimes, the greatest victories aren’t the ones we win for ourselves—but the ones we share with those who helped us get there.
Read more about this incredible moment on CBC here.
