February 20, 2014 (SOCHI, Russia) – The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) presented Tracy Barnes (Durango, CO) with the Fair Play award on Tuesday at the Team USA House inside the Olympic Park in Sochi.

CIFP President Jeno Kamuti and master of ceremonies CIFP Secretary General Sunil Sabharwal presented the Fair Play awards. United States Olympic Committee Board Chairman Larry Probst was also present to congratulate Tracy.

Lanny (l) and Tracy Barnes; Tracy receives Fair Play award from CIFP President Jeno Kamuti ©

The Barnes’ story is one of ultimate sacrifice. Tracy qualified for the United States to compete in biathlon in Sochi 2014 but her sister, who was ill at the final qualifying race in Italy and was unable to finish as a result, fell agonizingly short of booking her own ticket to Russia. Conceding that her twin had been in better form throughout the season, Tracy graciously gave her spot on the team to Lanny, who competed in the women’s 15km individual here in Sochi.

“This is incredibly humbling,” said Tracy. “I think sportsmanship, which this award embraces, is a way for people to go beyond the playing field, or the ski course, and recognize that there is more to sport than just a win. Sportsmanship is about creating champions both on and off the playing field. And while I am not a champion in my sport, I strive to be a good person and do the right thing.

“In sport there is winning and there is losing and sometimes in order to win you must lose or at least sacrifice the win. I didn’t go to the Olympics to compete, but I feel I have won. I had the most incredible experience of cheering my twin sister and best friend in the greatest sporting event in the world. And I couldn’t be more proud of her effort,” said Tracy upon receiving her award.

Read more about Tracy, and see a video from the award ceremony here.

The CIFP was created 51 years ago by UNESCO, and is an IOC-recognized organization. It has been instrumental in promoting sportsmanship both on and off the field.