Managing diabetes can feel like an endurance sport for anyone affected. But living with the condition hasn’t stopped athletes from achieving Olympic greatness.
1. Hannah Schmidt (Canada) – Ski cross
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Competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Hannah competes with type 1 diabetes and has spoken about managing insulin and blood glucose around high-intensity alpine racing.
2. Anna Fernstädt (Czech skeleton athlete) – Skeleton
Also competing at Milano Cortina, Anna was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2022 – a few days after qualifying for her second Olympic Games.
3. Kris Freeman (USA) – Cross-country skiing
A four-time Winter Olympian, Kris became one of the most visible endurance winter athletes with type 1 diabetes, competing at altitude and over long distances.
4. Gary Hall Jr. (USA) – Swimming
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, Hall went on to win multiple Olympic medals after diagnosis and remains one of the best-known Olympians globally to compete with diabetes. He’s been a powerful advocate for athletes living with type 1.
5. Sir Steve Redgrave (Great Britain) – Rowing
Sir Steve was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1997 at age 35 while training for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He adapted by managing his condition with intensive insulin therapy, diet and training adjustments –going on to win gold.
6. Matthias Steiner (Germany) – Weightlifting
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager, Steiner went on to become Olympic champion, often speaking about discipline and routine in both sport and glucose management.
7. Sara Groenewegen (Canada) – Softball
Groenewegen has represented Canada at the Olympic Games and has been open about living and competing with type 1 diabetes at the highest level of international sport.
What about the Australians?
Although no Australians are known to have competed at the Olympics while living with diabetes, there is no shortage of examples of Australians with type 1 performing at high levels across a range of sports. We’re also seeing growing representation of diabetes in Paralympic and professional sport and increasing visibility of athletes using CGM and insulin pump technology at elite levels.
Here’s just one Aussie we think could have scaled great heights at Milano Cortina.
Daniel Bull (Australia) – Sport climbing
Australian climber Daniel Bull lives with type 1 diabetes and has represented Australia in international competition. While better known for high-altitude mountaineering, he has spoken about elite sport and expedition performance with diabetes — making him a strong Australian inclusion in the Olympic conversation around representation and possibility.
