At a Glance
- Jessie Diggins plans to retire after the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
- More than 40 friends and family will travel to support her.
- She is a 34-year-old Olympic champion with 3 Tour de Ski titles.
- Why it matters: It marks the end of a historic career that reshaped U.S. cross-country skiing.
Jessie Diggins announced that she will retire at the end of the season and is looking forward to a short break after the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The 34-year-old Minnesota native has already won three Olympic medals and is set to compete in her fourth Games before stepping away from the sport.
Retirement and Final Olympics
Jessie Diggins is officially retiring after this season, a decision she confirmed in a statement from the U.S. team’s training base in Livigno, Italy. “I’m really excited to have a whole weekend off,” she told Megan L. Whitfield. “I realize that sounds kind of crazy, but I haven’t had two days in a row that are actually mine in a very long time. So that’s going to feel really special.”
Her retirement comes after a career that has seen her become the most decorated U.S. cross-country skier. She is set to finish her Olympic run in Milan Cortina, where she will be the top challenger to the traditionally dominant Nordic skiers.
Training and Support
During the World Cup circuit this year, growing clusters of U.S. teammates have gathered to cheer her on, a presence that’s coincided with her retaining the lead in the overall women’s standings.
- Team USA has been a constant presence, with teammates from alpine skiing and snowboarding.
- The support network includes wax technicians, sports psychologists, and fellow athletes.
- Diggins often credits her team for keeping her competitive.
After winning her third overall Tour de Ski title in northern Italy, Diggins said, “It was so cool – just feeling so much love across different sports. It’s been really awesome.”
Achievements and Medal Count
Jessie Diggins has already earned a gold, silver, and bronze medal across two Olympic Games. She finished second in the 20-kilometer classic at the final World Cup meet in Goms, Switzerland, just 0.9 seconds behind Finland’s Johanna Matintalo.
- 2018: First U.S. Olympic gold in cross-country skiing, teamed with Kikkan Randall in the sprint.
- 2022: Added silver and bronze medals.
- Tour de Ski: Holds 3 overall titles.
These achievements make her a strong favorite to add to her collection in Milan Cortina.
Personal Background and Early Life
Growing up in Afton, outside Minneapolis, Diggins tried a variety of sports. She played skating, soccer, dance, gymnastics, rock climbing, and athletics before turning to ski racing in elementary school.
Her father, an outdoorsy Canadian, installed a zip line behind their house, sparking her fascination with speed. She also raced other kids in swim meets along Lake Superior.
Ski competitions began at age 11 and never stopped. Diggins jumped age categories and surged through state and national championships, eventually earning an express path to the Olympics.
Advocacy and Causes
Diggins has used her platform to advocate for climate action, better access to treatment for eating disorders, and to support her Canadian heritage.
- She is a dual citizen and proudly supports Canada.
- She wrote an online post about the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, expressing that it was “devastating” and that she feels she can do nothing about it.
- “It makes every race so much more meaningful knowing that I’m trying to advocate for a better future,” she said.
Her advocacy aligns with personal struggles, making each competition feel purposeful.
The Road to Milan Cortina
The Milan Cortina Winter Games are 100 days out, and the U.S. team is preparing for a historic event. Diggins’ team includes alpine skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn, and snowboarder Chloe Kim.
- The athletes have been training intensively in Livigno.
- The team’s focus is on maintaining peak performance and supporting each other.
- Diggins is determined to finish strong before her retirement.
The Final Tour de Ski
Diggins’ most recent Tour de Ski victory was a highlight of the season. After the win, she praised her team: “I have to say a huge thank you to the team. I felt like I had awesome skis that were super competitive every single day.”
She also noted the joy of celebrating on the podium: “It takes a village, and I’m really proud of my village – really grateful for them. It was so fun to feel good on this last tour.”
Her glitter face paint and post-race half-dance have become signature moments, inspiring younger American skiers.
Closing Thoughts
Jessie Diggins’ retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in U.S. winter sports. Her career has been defined by relentless endurance, a finishing kick, and a supportive community. As she steps away from competition, she leaves a legacy that will inspire future generations of cross-country skiers.
The Milan Cortina Winter Games will be remembered as a historic event for American athletes, and Diggins’ final run will be a fitting tribute to her dedication and passion for the sport.
