Kikkan Randall personified grit better than anyone else at the Pyeongchang Olympics as she beat out favorites Norway, Sweden, and Finland to win the women’s team sprint alongside Jessie Diggins.
That same grit was evident in an Instagram post published yesterday morning in which Randall let the world know she is currently battling breast cancer. “The color pink has taken on a new chapter in my life as I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer,” said the Alaskan native and gold medalist.
Olympic champion @kikkanimal has announced that she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Everyone who knows her knows she will take on this challenge with incredible strength. Sending our thoughts, prayers, and full support. Follow Kikkan’s journey: https://t.co/UiWhBsv4jw. pic.twitter.com/Aa99pxwe1K
— U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team (@usskiteam) July 11, 2018
According to Randall, the “prognosis is good.” Through self-examination, she detected two miniscule lumps in her left breast before going to a doctor. According to the Alaska Daily News, she is currently in Stage 2.
“I have returned to Anchorage for treatment at @providencealaska Cancer Center. It’s a scary thing to learn you have cancer and I have wondered every day since how this could have possibly happened to me. But I have promised myself that I will remain positive and active and determined throughout my treatment.”
Randall and Diggins snagged gold in the team sprint and became the first Americans to win a cross-country medal event at the winter olympics.
Find the entire Anchorage Daily News article here: ‘So surreal’: Olympic gold medalist Kikkan Randall announces breast cancer diagnosis, returns to Anchorage for treatment