Gilmore Junio to receive medal for Olympic sportsmanship

Speedskater Gilmore Junio will be awarded a special medal from fans to commemorate his decision to step aside for teammate Denny Morrison, who went on to win a silver medal at the Sochi Olympics.

The Calgary residentis headed to Kitchener, Ont., where he will receivethe medal Wednesday morning at King Edward Public School.

• Gilmore Junio, Calgary speedskater, could get special medal

Junio gave up his spot during theSochi Olympicsin the men's 1,000-metre event to Morrison,who had fallen during the qualifying trials.

Morrison, who was a stronger competitor in the 1,000 metres, went on to win a silver medal in that event after taking Junio's place.

Funding for Junios commemorative medal was raised through crowd-sourcing site Indiegogo.

Billed as a "medal from Canada," theinitiative was launched by Jacknife, a design firm in Toronto, whichraised $7,000 from contributors donating $50 each.

Gilmore, who has won many medals in his sport,says this one is extra special.

It actually means a lot. Im very appreciative of what the guys at Jacknife have done and people around Canada showing their support and funding this medal that I am going to receive, he said. Its very humbling, for sure.

King Edward Public School was chosen for the medal presentation because studentsraised a "significant" amount of money for the medal, said a campaign spokesperson.