Diabetic skier to compete in 2010 Olympic Games

INDIANAPOLIS A skier with Type 1 diabetes will join the U.S. Olympic team.

Kris Freeman will compete in up to five events at the 2010 Olympic Games next month in Vancouver, B.C., with sponsorship from drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. He will take part in the 15-km freestyle, the individual sprint, the 30-km pursuit, the team sprint and the 50-km mass start classic.

While competing in the games, Freeman, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 19, will wear an insulin pump.

“I’m motivated to win for my country and myself, but to also prove to detractors that it’s possible to compete against the world’s best cross-country skiers, even with Type 1 diabetes,” Freeman said.