
I have big dreams when it comes to diabetes and raising awareness and for years I thought I was the only one that wanted diabetic professional athletes to change the nations thoughts about what diabetics could do. When i began cycling Leanne told me about Phil Southerland, a Type 1 diabetic that raced his bike professionally in Europe. He was just starting up Team Type 1 when I learned about him, I would follow the team and the amazing things that Phil did for diabetes. As time went on I was still wanting a diabetic athlete to admire, cancer had Lance Armstrong, I wanted diabetes to have someone that was almost like a god. Someone that brought diabetes to the forefront of everyone's mind. I was not the only one with these thoughts, Phil Southerland had this dream aswell. He developed Team Novonordisk last winter, a team of all type 1 diabetics. They will be racing in the Tour De France in the next ten years, I can gurantee that!!
Today Phil Southerland became the face of diabetes in my opinion!! Diabetic athletes finally have someone that is like a god to us. Personally I'm very jealous of Phil, I work my butt off to develop diabetes and sports partnerships, Phil is raising that bar everyday. Today he was all over Twitter, he has started the Team Type 1 Foundation (more info here). Members of Team Novonordisk were all over the world raising diabetes awareness, the journey has only just begun!!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152005741534446