Jessie Diggins, the trailblazing American cross-country skier who transformed expectations for US athletes in the sport, has announced she will retire at the conclusion of the current season.
A Career That Redefined American Skiing
The 34-year-old from Afton, Minnesota confirmed her decision during a Zoom call from Finland, where she's preparing for the season opener. Diggins will complete the full World Cup calendar and compete in her fourth Olympic Games at Milano-Cortina before concluding her remarkable 15-year career on home snow at the World Cup finals in Lake Placid.
She makes her retirement announcement while holding the prestigious position of world's number one ranked skier, having accumulated three overall World Cup titles, three distance globes, and four Olympic medals throughout her distinguished career.
Historic Achievements and Legacy
Diggins' career statistics speak volumes about her dominance in the sport. She has achieved 79 podium finishes and 29 victories since her World Cup debut as a teenager. Her three overall crystal globes represent cross-country skiing's highest honour, and she made history as the first non-European woman to claim this prize in 2021.
Perhaps her most memorable achievement came at the 2018 Winter Olympics, where she and teammate Kikkan Randall secured the first Olympic gold medal in US cross-country skiing history during the team sprint event.
Beyond her competitive success, Diggins became known for her trademark glitter-streaked cheeks and relentlessly positive attitude, making her one of winter sport's most recognisable personalities.
Looking Toward New Challenges
The Minnesota native revealed that her decision to retire emerged gradually rather than from a single dramatic moment. "Over time, all of these other things in my life that are important to me started to out-value just ski racing," she explained.
Diggins expressed excitement about spending more time at home after years of extensive travel, noting she's been living on the road for seven months annually. She also disclosed an ambitious post-retirement goal: running a 100-mile ultra-endurance race.
"It's ironic to be like, yeah, I'm going to be done cross-country ski racing so I can go run a hundred miles on trails," she said with a laugh. "But it really lights up my soul."
Mental Health Advocacy and Lasting Impact
Diggins' influence extends far beyond her medal collection. Her openness about her recovery from an eating disorder and her advocacy for improved athlete mental health support have established her as a significant voice within the US Olympic movement.
"One of the legacy pieces that I'm leaving behind is how US Ski & Snowboard handles mental health and how they support people," Diggins stated. She noted that her transparency has led to better support systems for athletes struggling with similar challenges.
As she approaches her final Olympic appearance, Diggins said she plans to savour the experience differently than previous Games. "Telling people, yeah, this is my last Games, it frees me to enjoy it," she reflected. "Even if it doesn't go perfectly, my career is this entire body of work."
She expects approximately 60 friends and family members to attend the Milano-Cortina Olympics, contrasting sharply with the isolation of the Covid-affected Beijing Games.
Diggins will compete in a full schedule this season, including the demanding Tour de Ski, explaining: "My body seems to enjoy racing quite a lot. So basically doing as many as I can because it's my last time. And why not?"
