Already there is a heartwarming story out of the Olympic games in Sochi, even though they haven't started.

Identical twin sisters Lanny and Tracy Barnes have competed together in biathlon careers that have spanned 15 years. Their shooting and cross-country skiing earned each of them spots on the US Olympic team in the 2006 Italy games. But this year, luck dealt Lanny a brutal blow as she fell ill and missed the qualifying races that could have earned her the fifth spot on the five-person team.

Tracy, 31, competed well and earned a spot, but this week said she was declining the opportunity to compete in Sochi — so that Lanny could take her place.

"It just was one of those moments that I think changed my life forever,'' Lanny told TODAY Thursday.

"She's having a great year, and I think when you care enough about someone you're willing to make that kind of sacrifice,'' Tracy told TODAY.

(WATCH the video below or READ the full story from TODAY)

UPDATE: Although Tracy honestly believed that Lanny had a better shot at a medal than she did, her sister finished poorly, in 64th place. But Tracy's Olympic spirit inspired the world.