The Nordic Times
T.N.T
Kris Freeman is the only type 1 diabetic skier acknowledged athlete in Olympic history. He was told by his doctors that his athletic career could be in jeopardy, but that didn't stop him and he competed at, the 2002 Salt Lake Games.
This was after Kris Freeman collapsed because of low blood sugar at the 2010 Games and pushing himself coming back for a fourth Olympus.
This Is Kris Freeman working hard and proving doctors wrong and competing in the 2002 Salt Lake Games.
Kris Freeman
Kris Freeman testing his strength at the USSA training center
Kris Freeman talking about how he lives and gets ready for the Olympics
Kris Freeman uphill skate technique work
Kris Freeman talks about his experiences at diabetes camps and showing children with diabetes theirs no Limits with diabetes
How Does The Nordic Combined Works?
The athletes are scored on their ski jumps, which are judged based on distance traveled, and technique. For each hill there is a par distance; athletes are awarded a certain amount of points for hitting the par distance and then a designated number of points are awarded for each additional meter accomplished. Judges take away points for flaws in technique during the flight or landing.
After each athlete completes their jumps, points are calculated up, and the start order for the cross-country race is determined. The highest scorer on the ski jump can start first, then the second-place scorer can go and so on. Their ski jump scores determine the amount of time between athlete start times: A 10-point lead provides for a one-minute difference in start times.
Where Does The Nordic Combined Event Come From?
The Nordic combined originated in the 19th century in you guessed it Norway, where skiers had got together and performed in small competitions. Athletes who could combine the endurance necessary for cross-country skiing and the physical strength and technical elements of ski jumping were considered the most impressive.