Sport
Cross-Country Skiing
Location
United States
Diagnosed at Age
19
Key Achievements
- 4× Olympian in cross-country skiing (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
- U23 World Champion (2003) – first American to qualify in World Cup top-20 circuit
- Multiple US national champion; known as "America's best cross-country skier" at his peak
Follow Kris
Kris Freeman
Kris Freeman was diagnosed with Type 1 at 19 while training with the U.S. Ski Team. Advised by some that the disease's demands were incompatible with endurance skiing, Freeman proved otherwise – he made four U.S. Olympic teams and had multiple top-5 finishes at World Championships.
He managed his blood sugar with regimented planning (even checking levels mid-race) and blazed a trail for T1D athletes in winter sports. After retiring from international skiing, Freeman remains active in triathlons and works to mentor young diabetics.
His achievements include competing in four Winter Olympics (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), becoming a U23 World Champion in 2003 (the first American to qualify in the World Cup top-20 circuit), and winning multiple US national championships.
"I encourage [kids with diabetes] to never set limits for themselves because of their disease."
Management
Diabetes Management Approach
Freeman manages his diabetes during endurance skiing events through regimented planning and monitoring. He even checks his blood sugar levels during races to ensure they remain stable during the intense physical exertion of cross-country skiing.
His approach to diabetes management in a sport that many considered incompatible with Type 1 diabetes demonstrates that with proper planning and monitoring, even the most physically demanding endurance sports are possible with diabetes.
Advice
Advice for Fellow Diabetic Athletes
Don't accept limitations placed on you because of diabetes. With proper planning and monitoring, even endurance sports that some might consider incompatible with diabetes are possible.