Margie Freed, a 28-year-old from Apple Valley, Minnesota, has earned a spot on the United States Olympic biathlon team for the Milan Cortina Games next February. Just three years after her first biathlon race, Freed transitioned from cross-country skiing to the demanding sport that combines endurance with marksmanship. Despite her novice status, her rapid progress has secured her place among elite athletes.
Margie Freed's journey to the Olympics began unexpectedly. Growing up in Apple Valley, she started cross-country skiing in sixth grade but only took up biathlon full-time two years ago. Her introduction to the sport's shooting component was particularly challenging; she had never handled a firearm before. "I had never even shot a gun," Freed recalled. "I didn't know anything about guns before doing biathlon. The intrigue of trying this whole new thing, being in this whole new world of biathlon, was intriguing to me, so that's why I stuck with it."
Freed's first biathlon race was just three years ago, making her a relative newcomer compared to seasoned European competitors. "Some of the Europeans have been doing biathlon since the age I started skiing," she said. "They've been doing biathlon forever and are really locked in on the shooting. So sometimes mine comes and goes, but if I have a good day, I can be with the top athletes. So, I'm surprised that it came together, especially this last year, seeing my improvement was pretty awesome."
Attending Eastview High School, Freed enjoyed skiing recreationally but never envisioned a professional path. Reflecting on her younger self, she noted, "I would definitely be surprised. I would probably say, 'Ah, you're still at that?' I had fun with skiing in high school and I want to thank all of my teammates there for making it fun and worthwhile. Because I don't think if I (hadn't had) strong teammates in high school, I would probably be like 'This isn't that fun for me, so I'll just be done,' even if I was finding success. So, it's all about the people and the community."
As the Milan Cortina Games approach, Freed anticipates the pressure of international competition. "I definitely will be nervous for the first race," she admitted. "I am already thinking about the loud crowds and everyone that will be cheering. I know that I'll have fans, friends and family that are coming to support me. I'm looking forward to seeing them, especially because I know they'll support me if I win or if I lose, they'll be happy to see me there. So, I'm really looking forward to that." Her story highlights the supportive networks that propel unexpected athletes to the global stage.
