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.
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.
Part 1, April: With her historic gold medal, the Anchorage ski racer returned to Alaska’s open arms. But her moment barely lasted.
Part 2, July: Cancer begins to reshape Randall’s identity, changing her gold medal persona.
Part 3, August: Kikkan Randall adjusts to a wearying chemo treatment regimen and increasing sickness with the support of friends.
Part 4, September: Exhausted but restless, Kikkan Randall finds a growing, new purpose.
Part 5, October: Randall wasn’t the only one whose life changed once she was diagnosed with cancer. Her family changed, too.
Closets and bins in Randall’s home collect gear, news clippings and awards from five Olympics and countless World Cup races.
Part 6, November: After months of treatment, Randall goes under a surgeon’s knife and hopes for the best.