To The Edge and Back: Enjoy the Ride – Don’t take a turn for granted
Program Titles
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis: Organ Transplant Survivor
- Chris has diverse skills in sales, marketing & communication
- Spread awareness of the need for organ donors
Chris Klug had the honor of representing the USA three times, in 1998, 2002, and 2010. I was the first American athlete named to the first ever US Olympic Snowboarding Team in 1998 Nagano, Japan, after winning the first two Grand Prix US Snowboard Olympic qualifiers in Sugarloaf, Maine in December 1997, and Mt. Bachelor, Oregon in January 1998.
He finished in sixth place, as the top American Snowboard Racer at Shiga Kogen Resort on Mount Yakebitai at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
After coming up just short of my dream of winning an Olympic Medal in 1998, he bounced back from a life-saving liver transplant in July 2000, just eighteen months later to claim a Bronze Medal on February 14th, 2002 at Park City Mountain Resort at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
After missing the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics, he focused on furthering his broadcasting and professional speaking opportunities in Torino.
Chris rededicated himself to snowboard racing and qualifying for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics to vie for another Meal.
This time he had to do it on his own. He hired legendary snowboard coach Rob Roy and assistant coach Ian Price with the goal of qualifying for the 2010 Winter Olympics and competing for medals.
It worked! Chris qualified for the Vancouver Olympics and finished again as the top American finisher in seventh place, just missing a second Olympic Medal.
Forming America’s Snowboard Team with his teammates and friends and qualifying for his third Winter Olympics is one of the accomplishments he is most proud of in his career.
“Participating in three Winter Olympic Games representing my country and winning a Bronze Medal after a miraculous liver transplant recovery have been a dream come true for me.”
Chris Klug – Organ Transplant Recipient & Olympic Bronze Medalist, Snowboarding At the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Chris Klug captured the hearts of millions worldwide as he became the first organ transplant recipient to ever compete in an Olympic Games and win a medal.
A three-time Olympic snowboarder and medalist, today Klug’s international travels expand beyond the field of competition as he visits people from all over the world and shares his awe-inspiring life story,
“To The Edge and Back.”
On July 28th, 2000 I had a liver transplant at University Hospital in Denver, Colorado. I was diagnosed nine years earlier with PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitits), a rare degenerative bile duct condition, which required a transplant.
I’m lucky to be alive today. It was truly an amazing experience for me and for my family. To receive the gift of life is a humbling experience. I will forever be grateful for my second chance.
Books by Chris Klug
Book Chris Klug for your Event!