Margie Freed is poised to make history as part of Team USA’s biathlon squad competing at the Winter Olympics in Italy. The Apple Valley native has set her sights on helping the United States secure its first Olympic medal in biathlon, a goal that fuels her passion for the sport. The biathlon competition opened with a mixed relay event on Sunday morning, where Freed and her teammates will strive for a podium finish.
Freed’s journey in sports began with a simple motivation: fun. As a student at Eastview High School, she clinched the Nordic state title in 2016 and first joined cross-country skiing to spend time with friends. She quickly demonstrated her talent, progressing to the state meet as an eighth grader. “A sign I had talent,” she reflected on that early achievement.
Her love for the sport deepened after an event at the Mall of America, where she met skiing stars Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall. Although she wasn’t a dedicated follower of skiing at the time, the experience left a lasting impression. “Now, it’s a great memory,” Freed noted, as she has now become an Olympian herself.
With the mixed relay underway, Freed hopes to experience the thrill of a medal alongside her teammates. “My dream would be for it to be in a relay,” she expressed, emphasizing the shared joy of such a moment. Her positive outlook on competition is notable, as she maintains a healthy relationship with the sport.
Just two weeks ago, Freed participated in a World Cup mixed relay event, where her team finished fourth, tying for the best U.S. finish in a World Cup biathlon event. This recent success has heightened expectations as she prepares for the Olympic stage.
The transition to biathlon came as Freed sought new challenges and experiences. Initially, her interest was not driven by Olympic aspirations, but rather by the camaraderie with her teammates at the shooting range. “I was more interested in hanging out with teammates and friends,” she recalled, admitting she had never fired a gun before taking up the sport.
As she honed her skills, Freed found the learning curve increasingly manageable, noting that her improvements became subtler over time. “I probably figured shooting out quickly compared to some,” she said. The journey has been a valuable learning process and a testament to her ability to stay positive.
Despite many of her friends from her earlier sports career transitioning away from skiing, Freed continues to find support from those close to her. She balances her athletic pursuits with hobbies like sewing, line dancing, and birding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joy in her activities.
Throughout her athletic career, Freed has embraced versatility. She participated in cross country, track, and soccer, which allowed her to stay injury-free and maintain enthusiasm for training. “I credit a lot of my success to the instillation of fun in the sport,” she stated, highlighting the importance of enjoyment in achieving excellence.
As she stands on the brink of Olympic competition, Freed remains committed to this principle. With her sights set on a medal, she embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and the joy that competition can bring.
