Gilmore Junio’s selfless act to give up his spot has resulted in a #GilForFlagBearer campaign

Some of the best Canadian stories at the Sochi Olympics haven't been about those who won medals, but rather those who didn't, including cross-country coach Justin Wadsworth helping a Russian skier, Larisa Yurkiw completing her self-funded journey to the Games by skiing well on a sprained ankle and long-track speedskater Gilmore Juniostepping aside for teammate Denny Morrison (who went on to win silver) in the 1000-metre event. That latter heartfelt gesture from Junio has given his profile a massive boost, and his sacrifice hasn't gone unnoticed. In fact, plenty of people have been campaigning on Twitter for him to carry the Canadian flag at the closing ceremonies. (It probably doesn't hurt that Junio has the amazing Twitter handle of @cdnhappygilmore). Here are some of the best #GilForFlagBearer tweets, including one from Morrison himself:

On one hand, some might argue that it's a bit of a stretch to give the flag-bearer role to an athlete whose most-publicized contribution was deciding to sit out. (Junio competed in the 500-metre race as well, but didn't medal.) The Canadian athlete who carries the country's flag at the closing ceremonies has often been one who found incredible individual success during those particular Games, with examples including triathlete Simon Whitfield in 2000, kayaker Adam Van Koeverden in 2004 and speed skater Cindy Klassen in 2006; all won gold, with Klassen racking up five medals in total (a gold, two silvers and two bronze), and Junio certainly doesn't qualify there; gold medalists like Charles Hamelin, Alex Bilodeau and Justine Dufour-Lapointe would have strong cases.

However, there's also precedent for going with a more emotional pick, someone whose performance really resonated with Canadians. Examples there include Christine Sinclair in 2012, after she helped will the women's soccer team to bronze (and took exception to controversial calls in the semifinals), and Joannie Rochette in 2010, after she won a figure skating bronze with a courageous performance only days after her mother died. Unlike Sinclair and Rochette, Junio didn't medal, but his personal sacrifice allowed Canada to pick up a silver, and his story definitely hit the needed emotional cords. We'll see who the Canadian Olympic Committee decides on, but Junio certainly has a lot of support, and while choosing him would be highly unusual, it isn't as far-fetched as it might seem.