« Previous | 1 of 6 | Next »

Gary Hall Jr., Champion for Diabetes

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as he was training for the 2000 Olympic Games, swimmer Gary Hall Jr. realized he had an opportunity to prove that diabetes doesn't have to hold you back from achieving your dreams.

By Debbe Geiger

Meet Gary

Repeating an Olympic gold-medal performance is a remarkable feat for any athlete, but it's particularly amazing for someone with type 1 diabetes.

When Gary Hall Jr. earned a gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, he was crowned the fastest swimmer in the world -- a title he also earned at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

"Winning the gold is more than the dream of a lifetime coming true. And realizing you're the best in the world when you've dedicated your life to something is very humbling -- with or without diabetes," Gary says. "Having diabetes does affect me, but it isn't an excuse. It just means making some sacrifices along the way."

Next Page: Filling Big Flippers

Pay $0 for a Full Year + FREE Gift! Order NOW and pay nothing for your second year of Diabetic Living® Magazine! That's 2 full years (8 issues) issues for just $16.00 (plus $3.97 postage and handling), plus you'll get Our Best Diabetic Snack Guide instantly! HURRY this offer won't last! (U.S. orders only)