<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It has nothing to do with their talent; they simply might not be able to afford it.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
The Barnes twins compete in the biathlon, and Elliott is a cross-country skier.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t necessarily say we\u2019re struggling. It\u2019s just a need we have almost every year,\u201d Tracy Barnes said. \u201cBoth cross-country skiing and biathlon are smaller sports in the overall scheme of things. We don\u2019t get the funding like figure skating does.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not like they can pick up a part-time job to help cover expenses, either.<\/p>\n
They rely on sponsorship and fundraising events like the Nov. 8 \u201cOn the Road to Sochi\u201d benefit in Durango to help pay for travel, training and living expenses.<\/p>\n
The specter of not receiving enough funding exists, but not enough to deter the attempt.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe worry about not having enough because this is a very expensive sport and it demands a lot,\u201d Lanny Barnes said. \u201cAt the same time, you can\u2019t let that get in the way of your dreams. It always seems to work its way out in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lanny Barnes qualified for both the Vancouver and Turin Olympics, placing 23rd in 2010. It was the best U.S. women\u2019s finish in 16 years.<\/p>\n
Tracy Barnes made the 2006 team, while Elliott is attempting to qualify for the first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019d be cool to be a part of the Olympics. My dad\u2019s been three times,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d like to keep the family tradition and go.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Elliott could bring his twin brother, Evan, as a wax technician, whom he trusts and considers one of the best wax technicians he\u2019s ever worked with.<\/p>\n
\u201cI might be heading to Canada with him in December,\u201d Evan Elliott said. \u201cNot too many get to spend time with their brother traveling the world doing stuff they love. It\u2019s work that\u2019s actually pretty rewarding and fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
All of the potential athletes recognize, however, that they wouldn\u2019t be able to reach their goals without the support of the Durango community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been all over the world and lived in a few other places, but this town has always been really supportive of us,\u201d Lanny Barnes said. \u201cWe\u2019re extremely proud to be able to represent Durango.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having that kind of backing gives them an extra push in competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re the ones who are helping us to achieve our goals,\u201d Lanny Barnes said. \u201cIt\u2019s not an individual thing; it\u2019s a team thing, and the city of Durango, the people around here, they\u2019re our team.\u201d<\/p>\n