Gilmore Junio, Calgary speedskater, could get special medal

The Calgary speedskater who gave up his spot for a teammate at the Olympics could be honoured with a special medal if one Toronto design firm gets its way.

On Saturday, Jacknife announced the Thanks Gilmore campaign and asked Canadians to contributetowards a total goal of $7,000 through Indiegogo tohelp make a special medal for GilmoreJunio. Jacknife says the goal of the project is to recognize Junio'sincredible demonstration of Canadian values when he gave up his spot on the Olympic team for a teammate.

"Junio's ability to put his own lifelong dream aside to give another athlete a shot, set an example for not only Canada but people all over the world," said MichaelRichardson, creative director at Jacknife. "The way he put the pride of the country ahead of his own personal aspirations made my head spin and left me truly inspired. We had to do something to recognize this true Canadian hero."

Junio gave up his spot in the 1000-metre speed skating final forteammate Denny Morrison, who had fallen during the qualifying trials and failed to make the team.

Morrison went on to win a silver medal in that event.

A team of volunteer designers from Jacknife will create the medal, which the firm says will tell a story and combine several symbols and materials.

Maplewood would represent the people of Canada while silver would represent the Olympic medal won by Morrison.

Gold would represent the country's gratitude and appreciation for Junio's sacrifice.

"We're not trying to recreate an Olympic medal," said Richardson.

"This is a medal from Canada."