Champion Q&A: Kris Freeman

Sat, Feb  13, 2010 - By US Ski Team

Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) is a standout in the cross country world for many reasons. The first, of course, is his incredible athletic abilities, and another is his determination. Whether it be finishing 50K of grueling track, or never letting his diabetes hold him back from anything, Freeman is a role model for his sport. Read on to find out what he's doing before the Olympics get going, what he wants to do if he finds success in Vancouver and why he never tries to take the lead when dancing with his girlfriend.

So, what have you been up to Kris?
First I went to U.S. Champs. I was a little bit tired and just coming off the flu when I got there. After that I came home to try and get my feet back under me and that has gone really well. I've been training at Waterville Valley. I always love skiing here. I'm feeling good and strong, and I am getting antsy.

Have you done anything outside of training?
My girlfriend is a modern dancer in New York. She came up for a weekend and we relaxed and had a good time together.

Do you two dance together?
I can't dance at all. I like to watch her perform, but it's embarrassing to dance with her because she actually ends up leading me.

Well, has she ever tried to get you to use modern dance as a cross training tool?
No. (laughs.)

So, outside of cross country, what other sports are you involved in?
In the spring and summer I do a lot of varying sports. I like to kayak, I like to cycle and I mountain bike. I do all the outdoor activities. But, as the season gets closer I streamline it down to cross country.  Right now I'm not doing anything but skiing.

How excited are you for Vancouver?
I'm definitely excited for Vancouver. I'm excited to start racing. I'm really looking forward to the competition.

Any plans to see the sights in Vancouver?
I'm going to be racing at least four times, possibly five, from day two to the very last day. So, I have zero plans to go down to Vancouver.

Let's look into a crystal ball. Vancouver is over. What do you do?
That depends. If I get a medal, hopefully I'll hang around, do some press and possibly visit some children's hospitals for diabetes. If I don't get the medal, I'm going to go right back to the World Cup in Finland.

Is it important for you to visit those children with diabetes, and why?
When I was first diagnosed, the first thing people told me was what I couldn't do. One of the things they said I couldn't do was be an Olympic skier. So one of the things I want to do is make sure kids don't get the message that there are any limitations.

Well, any last words before we let you go?
I am psyched to compete in the Olympics and get started!