VAL DI FIEMME, Italy – Jessie Diggins is approaching the end of a remarkable career, one defined by groundbreaking achievements and a courageous openness about her personal struggles. The 34-year-old American cross-country skier, competing in her fourth Olympic Games, is set to retire after this season, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the race course.
Diggins entered the Milan Olympics as a decorated athlete, already a three-time medalist. She added to her collection with a bronze medal in the 10K freestyle, a testament to her enduring skill and determination. Her historic team sprint victory with Kikkan Randall in 2018 remains a watershed moment, marking the first Olympic medal for an American woman in the sport. She followed that up with a bronze in the individual sprint and a silver in the 30K freestyle at the 2022 Beijing Games – a race completed despite suffering from food poisoning the night before.
Throughout her success, Diggins has been a vocal advocate for mental health, publicly sharing her battle with an eating disorder. Diagnosed with bulimia as a teenager, she underwent treatment and learned to navigate the challenges of fueling her body for elite competition while confronting her inner demons. She experienced a relapse a few years ago but has since found renewed strength and stability.
“I thought my life would actually be quite short because of my eating disorder,” Diggins revealed. “I was in a really tough place, and because of the help I received and the love that I got — and the love I was able to finally show myself — I’m sitting here at my fourth Olympics.”
This Olympic appearance is about giving everything she has – her physical and mental strength, and her joy – to the U.S. Cross-country team as she aims for a strong finish to her career. Diggins announced her retirement plans in the fall, a decision that allows her to pursue other passions, including running a 100-mile race and focusing on her keynote speaking engagements.
Despite being a favorite in many of her races in Italy, Diggins faced challenges. A fall in the skiathlon on February 7th resulted in bruised ribs and lingering pain. Yet, even after finishing the race, she maintained her characteristic positivity. “I’m the happiest bronze medalist in the world,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support she received.
Diggins has embraced the role of team leader and mentor, particularly for the numerous first-time Olympians on the U.S. Team. She strives to be a stabilizing force, offering guidance and encouragement. “Be the one who steadies the boat, not the one who rocks it,” she explained, embodying her commitment to team unity.
Her influence extends beyond the Olympic level, inspiring athletes at all levels. Ben Ogden of Vermont, a two-time silver medalist at these Games, highlighted Diggins’ profound impact. “Her impact has been huge and extends so much past the Olympic level or even World Cup level,” Ogden said. “She is a huge inspiration to even just kids getting out there and having a good time during breaktime at the local schools in Vermont.”
Diggins’ warmth and camaraderie are evident in her interactions with teammates, whether it’s knitting in the Olympic Village or publicly acknowledging their accomplishments on social media. She’s become the glue that holds the American team together, contributing to a particularly successful showing for the U.S. Men’s team as well.
Throughout this final journey, Diggins has consistently expressed gratitude to those who have supported her – her coaches, ski technicians, family, friends, and husband, Wade Poplawski. She wants to savor this experience with the people she loves.
Retirement, for Diggins, means embracing a more “normal” life. She envisions a future filled with gardening, adopting a dog, and spending Thanksgiving with family, rather than traveling for competitions. However, she isn’t abandoning her athletic pursuits entirely, planning to participate in an ultramarathon.
Her final World Cup race is scheduled for March in Lake Placid, New York, an event she anticipates with excitement. “I really want to soak in that experience of so many people that I know and love being here with me,” she said earlier this month.
On Sunday, Diggins will compete in the 50K, her last Olympic race, a chance to share this moment with those who have helped her reach this point.
