They can claim three Olympic trips, 11 USA championship teams and 18 national championships, but Tad Elliott, Lanny Barnes and Tracy Barnes might not make the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
It has nothing to do with their talent; they simply might not be able to afford it.
They’ve all come up short so far in their quest to raise the approximate $25,000 per athlete per year it takes to fund an Olympic bid.
The Barnes twins compete in the biathlon, and Elliott is a cross-country skier.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say we’re struggling. It’s just a need we have almost every year,” Tracy Barnes said. “Both cross-country skiing and biathlon are smaller sports in the overall scheme of things. We don’t get the funding like figure skating does.”
It’s not like they can pick up a part-time job to help cover expenses, either.
They rely on sponsorship and fundraising events like the Nov. 8 “On the Road to Sochi” benefit in Durango to help pay for travel, training and living expenses.
The specter of not receiving enough funding exists, but not enough to deter the attempt.
“We worry about not having enough because this is a very expensive sport and it demands a lot,” Lanny Barnes said. “At the same time, you can’t let that get in the way of your dreams. It always seems to work its way out in the end.”
Lanny Barnes qualified for both the Vancouver and Turin Olympics, placing 23rd in 2010. It was the best U.S. women’s finish in 16 years.
Tracy Barnes made the 2006 team, while Elliott is attempting to qualify for the first time.
“It’d be cool to be a part of the Olympics. My dad’s been three times,” he said. “I’d like to keep the family tradition and go.”
Both he and the Barnes twins still need to qualify for the Sochi games, but having funding for training and travel would make that bid easier.
Elliott could bring his twin brother, Evan, as a wax technician, whom he trusts and considers one of the best wax technicians he’s ever worked with.
“I might be heading to Canada with him in December,” Evan Elliott said. “Not too many get to spend time with their brother traveling the world doing stuff they love. It’s work that’s actually pretty rewarding and fun.”
All of the potential athletes recognize, however, that they wouldn’t be able to reach their goals without the support of the Durango community.
“We’ve been all over the world and lived in a few other places, but this town has always been really supportive of us,” Lanny Barnes said. “We’re extremely proud to be able to represent Durango.”
Having that kind of backing gives them an extra push in competition.
“They’re the ones who are helping us to achieve our goals,” Lanny Barnes said. “It’s not an individual thing; it’s a team thing, and the city of Durango, the people around here, they’re our team.”
kgrabowski@durangoherald.com
