Suffering from type 1 diabetes, a U.S. cross-country skier is expected to compete in up to five events at the Winter Olympics.

Kris Freeman, who hopes to win the first U.S. cross-country medal in the Olympics since 1976, has the form of the diabetes in which the body does not produce insulin needed to regulate blood sugar.

Freeman was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 at age 19 and was  told he would never be able to compete as an Olympian because of his illness. However, to compete in the 2010 Games,

Freeman will wear a small insulin pump that provides an adjustable supply of insulin to help manage his diabetes while racing.

Freeman said in a statement," I'm motivated to win for my country and myself, but to also prove to detractors that it's possible to compete against the world's best cross-country skiers, even with type 1 diabetes."

He contracted the flu during the 2006 Winter Games and underwent surgery in both legs last spring to alleviate pain caused by a rare muscle disorder compartment syndrome.

Freeman who is 13-time U.S. National cross-country champion, recently had his best finish at the 2009 World Championships. (With Input from Agencies)