Kikkan Randall Wins Olympic Gold and Survives Breast Cancer

When Kikkan Randall was 5 years old, she decided she was going to the Olympics for skiing.  Most 5 year olds have lofty and cute dreams that rarely come to fruition.  That wasn't the case for Kikkan.  Not only did she make it to her first Olympics for cross-country skiing at just 19 years old, but she has 5 Olympic Games under her belt.  Kikkan's house might tip over with all the medals as a 17x US National Champion, 16 podiums at World Cups, and to top it off - a shiny Olympic Gold medal that she won in Pyeongchang in 2018.  2 years before Pyeonchang, Kikkan gave birth to her son.  Truly, she is wonderwoman. Kikkan decided to retire after the 2018 Olympics and winter season.  She was on as major high until one night, she found a couple small lumps in her breast.  The doctors assured it was probably nothing, but Kikkan couldn't help be feel worried.  The doctor came out to talk to her after her mammogram and uttered that she had Stage 2 breast cancer. This podcast from start to finish is very powerful.  It's a story of how Kikkan has achieved such amazing things in her life, her unshakable champion mindset that drives her to stay positive, and her mission sharing her journey being treated and healing from breast cancer. You might just listen to this episode a couple of times!   "The color pink has taken on a new chapter in my life as I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Although we caught it early and the prognosis is good, my life will change quite a bit in the coming months. 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. I am going to bring as much tenacity, strength, and energy toward this challenge as I have throughout my entire career." -Kikkan Randall (as quoted on her website) Topics Discussed in the Podcast  How Kikkan created a road map to Olympic Gold How Kikkan stayed engaged during her 20+ year career How to deal with nerves What it meant to be the first US skiier to win gold Kikkan's life as a mother of a toddler How it felt when she was diagnosed with breast cancer Staying active every day through chemo Kikkan's positivity keeps her going  Listen Now   Links Kikkan Randall's website Kikkan's Instagram Support the Show If you would like to support the growth my show, I’d love your contribution on.  Patreon.  The current production of this free show is primarily supported out of my own pocket and a small portion is covered through the donations on Patreon. With my Patreon page, you can donate directly to the show which will help me cover the costs and help it grow! Even 4 bucks a month- the cost of --------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.