Jessie Diggins: A Final Olympic Journey
Jessie Diggins is gearing up for her final Olympic appearance at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, with a significant support system of over 40 friends and family members making the journey to cheer her on. The Minnesota-born skier, acclaimed for her remarkable achievements in cross-country skiing, plans to retire at the end of this season and is eagerly anticipating some well-deserved downtime.
“I’m really looking forward to finally having an entire weekend off,”
she remarked during a conversation with The Associated Press at the U.S. team’s training camp in Livigno, Italy.
Achievements and Competitive Spirit
As Diggins heads into her fourth Olympics, she finds herself in a position of strength, being a prominent contender against the stronghold of traditional Nordic skiers. Her impressive collection of medals includes gold, silver, and bronze, making her a leading candidate to enhance her accolades in this Olympic season. Recently, she showcased her exceptional skills by finishing second in the 20-kilometer classic at the World Cup event in Goms, Switzerland, just shy of the first-place mark by a mere 0.9 seconds behind Finland’s Johanna Matintalo.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Her journey in sports began in Afton, a suburb of Minneapolis, where she immersed herself in a myriad of activities, including skating, soccer, and rock climbing, before focusing on ski racing while still in elementary school. The competitive spirit was ignited early on by her Canadian father, who introduced her to zip lining, and was further fueled during summers spent racing peers in swim meets along Lake Superior. By age 11, Diggins was competing in ski races, quickly rising through the ranks to national championships and eventually the Olympics. Her pivotal moment came in 2018 when she and Kikkan Randall made history by securing the first U.S. Olympic gold in cross-country skiing.
Connection to Heritage and Current Events
As she prepares for Milan Cortina, Diggins will join a formidable lineup of fellow American athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn, and Chloe Kim. Despite her ties to Team USA, she proudly acknowledges her Canadian heritage, stating,
“I absolutely do root for Canada…. I feel so proud to have half of my heart there,”
as both her parents hail from Canada.
However, amidst the excitement of the Games, Diggins grapples with distressing news from her home state, where recent immigration enforcement actions have led to tragic consequences.
“It’s been devastating… it’s really hard feeling like I can do nothing about it,”
she said, expressing her concerns in an online post.
Advocacy and Personal Style
Beyond athletics, Diggins is committed to significant causes, advocating for climate change awareness and improved treatment accessibility for those facing eating disorders, efforts she views as integral to her racing pursuits.
Known for her engaging style, Diggins incorporates elements of fun into her races, such as sporting glitter face paint and celebrating victories with a jubilant podium dance. She emphasizes gratitude towards her team, praising their contributions to her success:
“It takes a village, and I’m really proud of my village. Really grateful for them,”
she expressed after winning her latest Tour de Ski title.
Looking Ahead
As Diggins closes in on her Olympic legacy, she carries with her a blend of excitement, gratitude, and a deep connection to the causes she champions.
