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Olympic Cross Country Skier

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Kikkan Randall’s Cancer Year – Part 1 by Marc Lester

December 15, 2018

For Kikkan Randall, a hero’s homecoming. Then, an alarming discovery.

Part 1, April: With her historic gold medal, the Anchorage ski racer returned to Alaska’s open arms. But her moment barely lasted.

First of six part series of words and photos by Marc Lester with the Anchorage Daily News:

Kikkan Randall stood on the concrete platform of Anchorage’s Town Square and looked out at the faces of her hometown. On a Wednesday afternoon in early April, this mountaintop view capped her 20-year journey as an athlete.

She saw her family sprinkled in the crowd. Her son sat on her husband’s shoulders. Her dad held up an oversized picture of her. At her feet, children looked up, just as she had gazed on her own Olympic heroes as a girl.

She was already one of the most recognized and respected athletes in Alaska history. As a gold medalist and a mother, she was starting a new life.

That life would last 39 days from that April afternoon. And then a new journey would begin for Randall. A cancer journey that would remake how she was seen and how she saw herself.

Anchorage had followed every step of Randall’s skiing career. In the months that followed, she also shared the intimate moments of her difficult cancer year with the Anchorage Daily News.

The story begins in Town Square, with Randall’s skiing teammates at her side, Olympians in their own right. She had insisted they also be recognized.

But the crowd had come to see her. She had won a historic gold medal at the Winter Olympics six weeks earlier, the first in her sport for an American. It felt like it was their medal too.

“Kikkan, to come back wearing that hefty gold around your neck, you wear it with pride,” said U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, on the steps with Randall. “But know that as Alaskans, we wear it with you.”

For the complete article click HERE.

To follow along with the 6 part series by Marc Lester click HERE.

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Breck finished his last day of Kindergarten 🎓😅! This year went by so fast and he’s grown up so much!  It’s been so incredible to watch him learn and transform.  A big thanks to Baxter Elementary for a great year. ⁣
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Now on to summer adventures!! ⁣
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#kindergartengraduation ⁣
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Let’s get rollin’ summer… ⁣☀️🕶🛼 Let’s get rollin’ summer… ⁣☀️🕶🛼
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#livetoski ⁣
#rollerski ⁣
#beanoutsider
Just home from an inspiring few days with an amazi Just home from an inspiring few days with an amazing group of women at the #EY WABN (Women’s Athlete Business Network) Roundtable in Portland.  Over the past year I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with a mentor to help me think through my career transition post sport alongside many other female athletes from around the globe.  It’s been a huge help for me to get clear on my purpose, values and priorities and especially fun to connect with so many incredible people.  A big thanks to #EY for supporting this program!! #eywabn
Happy Mother’s Day to the person who has been my Happy Mother’s Day to the person who has been my rock through life and has taught me how to be the best mom I can be for my son.  What a great adventure parenthood has been and such a fun way to bond through our shared experience!
Great gear testing weather today on a birthday hik Great gear testing weather today on a birthday hike with @tanrandall!  Legs are probably going to scream tomorrow but it sure was nice to gain some vertical!⁣
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#llbeambassasor #sponsored ⁣
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#familyhike #alaskaspring
Right out the backyard!! Thanks to my longtime fri Right out the backyard!! Thanks to my longtime friend and mentor Nina Kemppel for a sweet crust cruise this morning… just like 20 years ago when she took me on my first spring crust tour! ⁣
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#alaska ⁣
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Easter Family Fun, Alaska style! 😎☀️🐰⁣ Easter Family Fun, Alaska style! 😎☀️🐰⁣
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#llbeanambassador⁣
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#familyeastertraditions
My big boy turns 6 today!! What a fun adventure th My big boy turns 6 today!! What a fun adventure this has been the last six years.  Breck is an incredible little boy and I am so lucky to be his momma and get to witness his smile, curiosity and joy along this journey!! More adventures ahead!⁣
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#happybirthdaybreck⁣
#bigsix⁣
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Making the most of longer days and sweet spring co Making the most of longer days and sweet spring corn!  Our new after school favorite! ⁣⛷
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#landofthemidnightsun ☀️
Beautiful Alaskan morning checking out the @girdwo Beautiful Alaskan morning checking out the @girdwoodnordic trails!  Spring skiing conditions made for spectacular views and hero snow.  Best time to be outside! ⁣
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A weekend in the mountains refreshes the soul! Es A weekend in the mountains refreshes the soul!  Especially with good company!  Loving the Alaskan view from up high at @resortalyeska as the daylight comes back.  And also snuck in a few backcountry turns.  Good vibes all around!⁣
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#llbeanambassador #beanoutsider #livetoski #lifeuntapped
Back home with my boy! Looking forward to a fun s Back home with my boy!  Looking forward to a fun spring full of play and adventure! ⁣❄️⛷☀️
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#alaskatime
Ready for another @americanbirkebeiner !! So fun t Ready for another @americanbirkebeiner !! So fun to be back in Hayward to feel the heartbeat of American skiing spirit!  50km of fun, friends and #hurtssogood!! ⁣
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Four years ago today we broke through! Such incre Four years ago today we broke through!  Such incredible memories and so fun to see all that has been accomplished since for the @usskiteam !! ⁣
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I will be forever grateful to @jessiediggins for finding that insane gear on the homestretch.  It was super cool to see her legacy grow with another successful games (and more medals) in 2022. ⁣
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And to all our teammates, coaches, and staff who all played vital roles along the journey and that night to make history!! We did it together and that is what made it so special. ⁣
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#goldenanniversary #pyeongchang2018 #strongertogether ⁣
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It’s been so fun to be on the other side of the It’s been so fun to be on the other side of the screen for #beijing2022 with @nbcolympics !! I got to work with an amazing team calling the races and sharing the incredible performances by the athletes. ⁣
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Now on to a quick stop in Park City with @teamusa to wrap up the games.  Feeling inspired!! ⁣
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So proud of these two!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸@rosiewbre So proud of these two!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸@rosiewbrennan and @jessiediggins showing up big in the Olympic sprint final!! Bronze for Jessie and an oh-so-close 4th for Rosie. ⁣
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So fun to be able to call the action on @nbcolympics and see USA continue to make history!  Well deserved celebration for the whole team!! ⁣
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#mettleformedal #teammates #teamusa #beijing2022
Watching the athletes walk into the opening ceremo Watching the athletes walk into the opening ceremony reminds me of some many great memories.  When the world comes together!!⁣
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I’m so excited for all the athletes that have dedicated so much and now have a chance to chase their biggest dreams.  It’s an even slate and I can’t wait to see the stories unfold! ⁣
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Go @teamusa , cheering with all my heart ❤️!! 🇺🇸!! ⁣
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#beijing2022 #olympicdreams ⁣
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School commute via tube…fun for all! School commute via tube…fun for all!
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