VAIL, Colo. – October 15, 2019 – Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV), along with the Vail Nordic Center and Fischer Skis, is pleased to announce a public event featuring Kikkan Randall, the most successful cross-country skier in U.S. history. The gold medalist, world champion and cancer survivor will make a public presentation on Friday, Oct. 18 at Vail Mountain School from 6 to 7 p.m.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will reflect on Randall’s years of World Cup experience, winning America’s first Olympic gold medal in cross-country skiing with Jessie Diggins, and her subsequent battle with cancer.

“Life is full of challenges and the attitude you choose to meet these challenges with determines whether you ‘dive’ or ‘thrive,’” says Randall. “Through a journey of five Olympics, I learned valuable skills that have helped me become an olympic champion, return to elite competition after the birth of my son, and now battle cancer.”

In 2013, three months after achieving her lifelong goal of winning an Olympic gold medal, Randall was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.

“As an Olympian, active mom and now a cancer-fighter, I have experienced both the highs and lows of tackling challenges and pursuing excellence at the highest level,” she adds. “I believe this gives me the ability to speak with confidence on topics related to business, sport and active lifestyles along the lines of perseverance, goal setting, time management and team building.”

The speech at VMS follows a roller ski session from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Vail Nordic Center, which is open to registered Rocky Mountain Nordic athletes and coaches only. Randall is touring throughout the United States on behalf of her sponsors and the cross-country ski community. She has plans to run the New York City Marathon and to revisit the American Birkebeiner.