It’s tough to beat the excitement and pageantry of the Olympic Winter Games, which get underway in a couple of weeks. I always look forward to the inspirational stories, and few are more captivating this year than the story of U.S. cross-country skier Kris Freeman.
As a marathon runner, I can appreciate the physical and mental demand of endurance sports. And cross-country skiing takes the demand for stamina to a whole new level. While it is certainly amazing that Kris has worked to become one of the most elite, international competitors in this very demanding sport, the fact that he has done this while managing Type 1 Diabetes makes his story even that much more inspiring.
Let’s put this in perspective. There have been few other athletes diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes who have ever competed in endurance sports at an Olympic level, and Kris is believed to be one of the only such athletes who will compete at the Vancouver Winter Games. Not only does Kris have to train to effectively manage energy and exertion over the course of a cross-country competition, but he also must be mindful of certain foods, continuously monitor blood glucose levels and administer insulin as needed.
Beyond the awe-inspiring passion that Kris brings to this sport, I’m looking forward to the awareness that his story will bring to the importance of effective diabetes management. The World Health Organization projects 366 million cases of diabetes by 2030, and as an eye care professional, I’m well aware of the devastating effects diabetes can have on the eyes, sometimes leading to a loss in vision.
Unfortunately, the correlation between diabetes and eye health is not widely known. A survey conducted by Transitions Optical, Inc. recently revealed that less than 40 percent of the population correctly identifies vision issues as possible complications of diabetes. That is a startling figure.
If Kris Freeman has the time and ability to manage his Type 1 Diabetes amidst the endless, demanding hours of training, his story should be one of inspiration. Anyone can more effectively manage the disease, lead a healthier life and protect their healthy vision. As we watch Kris excel in spite of this disease, we should ask ourselves what obstacles we can overcome in our own fitness quest.
I hope Kris brings home a gold, and I hope you enjoy the sights and sounds of Kris’s inspirational story (and many more) from Vancouver!