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Kikkan Randall's cancer year

Stories and photos by Marc Lester


Kikkan Randall won an Olympic gold medal in February, a new high for USA cross-country skiing and a triumph to cap her 20-year career as one of Alaska’s best athletes. Just months later, starting a new life with her family, she discovered she had breast cancer.

Randall allowed ADN journalist Marc Lester to follow her journey from her homecoming through her recovery from surgery. This six-part series is the result.

“I hope it can do some good,” she says, “because the possibility that it might do good, it gives me energy.”

Photo editor: Anne Raup. Story editors: Charles Wohlforth, David Hulen. Web design: Steve Kruschwitz, Vicky Ho. Print design: Kevin Powell.

Kikkan Randall speaks to a crowd gathered in Town Square on April 4, 2018. Hundreds of Alaskans filled Town Square Park in Anchorage, Alaska, for a celebration of gold medal winner Kikkan Randall and the state's other Winter Olympians. (Marc Lester / ADN)

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.

With support from friends, Kikkan Randall tries on wigs at Fashion Wigs in the Northway Mall on July 13, 2018. From left are Diana Johnson, Nicole DeYong, Kristy DeYong, Rachel Samuelson and Laura Gardner. (Marc Lester / ADN)

‘The old Kikkan’ gives way to treatment and hair loss

Part 2, July: Cancer begins to reshape Randall’s identity, changing her gold medal persona.

Kikkan Randall works out at an Alaska Club on October 2, 2018. Randall said it was a priority to stay active during the course of her cancer treatment. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Kikkan vs. cancer: Cancer tests a champion’s drive

Part 4, September: Exhausted but restless, Kikkan Randall finds a growing, new purpose.

Newly retired from competition, Kikkan Randall looks through bibs, clippings, awards and other mementoes of her influential career in her Penticton, B.C., home on October 9, 2018. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Video: The meaning behind the mementos of a career spanning decades

Closets and bins in Randall’s home collect gear, news clippings and awards from five Olympics and countless World Cup races.