November 13, 2008 (Anchorage, AK) – After a World Cup XC win in December 2007 in Russia, the USA’s Kikkan Randall became the first ever American woman to do so. She already had the first ever podium finish to her credit, including the best ever single event finish by a US woman at the Olympics placing 9th in the skate sprint at the 2006 Games in Torino. As of the spring of 2008 she can now also add blood clot survivor to her list of accomplishments.

After a record setting ski season, Randall experience lower back pain and leg swelling in early April of 2008 and soon after discovered that she had a massive blood clot extending from her lower stomach down through to the back of her left knee. Suddenly she faced perhaps the great challenge of her life.

Not only was she dealing with a possible career-ending disability but also became aware that the clot had the potential to break up and travel to her lungs – known as a pulmonary embolism – which can be fatal 50% of the time. Now six months later Randall has completely recovered, gotten married, is gearing up for the 2008-09 World Cup season, and recently stop daily blood thinning shots. The future looks bright again.

To read more on Randall’s story click here.