Kris Freeman American skier Date of Birth: 14.10.1980 Country: USA

1. Biography of Chris Freeman
2. A Diagnosis That Didn't Stop Him
3. Achievements and Challenges
4. Continuing to Compete

Biography of Chris Freeman

Chris Freeman, one of the most elite American skiers, is a cross-country racer. He was born on October 14, 1980, in Concord, New Hampshire. Chris is a member of the American Ski Team along with his older brother, Justin Freeman. He has won the title of eight-time U.S. champion in ski racing.

A Diagnosis That Didn't Stop Him

Before competing in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Freeman was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Doctors told him that his athletic career was essentially over with this diagnosis. However, instead of giving up, Freeman decided to prove them wrong. He became one of the few professional athletes who compete at a world level while managing diabetes. His coach, Luke Bodensteiner, supported him so much that he would run alongside with an open bottle of energy drink in case Freeman's blood sugar level dropped significantly.

Achievements and Challenges

Freeman made his first appearance at the Winter Olympics in 2002. In March 2003, at the World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy, he missed the gold medal by just ten seconds. He won first place in the U-23 World Championship on the 30 km classic track. Freeman faced several seasons where his results did not meet expectations, and he was diagnosed with intra-abdominal hypertension syndrome. However, he managed to come fourth in the individual 15 km classic race at the 2009 FIS Nordic World Championships in Liberec, Czech Republic.

Freeman has also had to overcome physical challenges, including undergoing surgery on his calves due to a painful complication that affected his muscles and nerves. Another challenge he faces is his low body fat percentage, making it difficult to find injection sites for his diabetes medication. Despite his struggles, Freeman has stated that diabetes cannot be an excuse for not achieving top results. He strives for victory and believes he will accomplish it.

Continuing to Compete

Freeman is sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of the fast-acting insulin Humalog, which allows him to continue competing in races. His motto is "Strive for more!" Freeman will once again represent the United States at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.