Tracy and Lanny Barnes.
Tracy and Lanny Barnes.

US twin biathlete Tracy Barnes did one of the most selfless acts a sister could do. She gave up her spot on the Olympic Team so her sister Lanny could compete in Sochi. Lanny fell ill during trials in Ridnaun, Italy, and was not able to have enough races to qualify. She missed three of the final four qualifying races and taking one of the five spots on the team.

Now she will be a three-time Olympian since sis stepped in.

Tracy, 31, announced her decision on her twin biathlete blog that she would honor her friendship with Lanny by declining her spot on the team.

“She is having a stellar year and I for one want to see where she can take it…what heights she can climb to. So, in honor of friendship, cooperation, and sacrifice I declined my spot on the Olympic Team. This freed up a spot so that Lanny could be named to the team. Please help me in cheering her on in Sochi. I know she is destined for great things at the games.”

Lanny told the AP that Tracy shows the true spirit of the Olympics.

“She is my hero and this only shows true selflessness and the Olympic spirit. This has motivated me even more to not only represent my country but to represent her as well.”

If you care enough about someone you make that kind of sacrifice.

“In this sport, you have to be 100 percent to perform at the level that we need to perform at. I kind of knew that things weren’t going to go well for her. It was completely disappointing,” Tracey told the Today Show.

 

 

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