Jessie Diggins Announces Retirement as She Prepares for Final Olympic Run

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Retirement and Final Olympic Push

Diggins told Olivia M. Hartwell from the U.S. team’s training base in Livigno, Italy, that she is “really excited to have a whole weekend off.” She added that she “hasn’t had two days in a row that are actually mine in a very long time.” The announcement comes as she enters her fourth Olympics, where she is the strongest contender for a fourth medal.

She has already secured gold, silver, and bronze medals in previous Games and is a favorite to add to her collection in Milan Cortina. Along 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.

> “It was so cool – just feeling so much love across different sports,” Diggins said after winning her third overall Tour de Ski title in northern Italy this month.

Support from Teammates and Fans

The 34-year-old has built a strong support network. Over 40 friends and family are traveling to the Games to watch her compete, and her teammates from the U.S. World Cup team have been a constant presence.

> “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,” Diggins said after her latest Tour de Ski victory.

Her success has also inspired a generation of younger American skiers, who now emulate her glitter face-paint ritual and celebratory podium dances.

Personal Background and Advocacy

Growing up in Afton, outside Minneapolis, Diggins tried a wide range of sports-skating, soccer, dance, gymnastics, rock climbing, and athletics-before finding her passion in ski racing during elementary school. Her father, an outdoorsy Canadian, installed a zip line behind their house, sparking her love of speed.

She began competing in ski races at age 11, quickly outpacing boys in age categories and moving through state and national championships. By 2018, she helped the United States claim its first- and still only-Olympic gold in cross-country skiing, teaming with Kikkan Randall in the sprint.

Diggins also openly roots for Canada, a dual citizen, and said she feels proud of her Canadian citizenship:

> “I absolutely do. I kind of see it as team North America. I am really, really proud of my Canadian citizenship. So many of my family lives up there, and both my parents were born there. I feel so proud to have half of my heart there.”

Beyond the slopes, Diggins has used her platform to advocate for climate action, noting that snowfall is declining due to climate change, and for better access to treatment for people with severe eating disorders. She believes every race becomes more meaningful when she can push for a better future.

Emotional Connection to Minnesota

Although her career flourished in Europe and she settled outside Boston, Minnesota remains close to her heart. She has spoken about the stress of following headlines about the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, where two people were fatally shot by federal immigration agents. She wrote in an online post:

> “It’s been devastating following the news of what has been happening in Minnesota right now, and it’s really hard feeling like I can do nothing about it.”

Her advocacy work and her personal ties to Minnesota underscore the broader impact of her career beyond athletic achievements.

Final Thoughts

As the 100-day countdown to the Milan-Cortina Winter Games begins, Diggins remains focused on her goal: to finish her Olympic career on a high note. Her combination of relentless endurance, downhill aggression, and a finishing kick has earned her a reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting athletes.

She plans to celebrate her last Olympics with the support of friends, family, teammates, and fans who have followed her journey from Afton to the world stage. The story of Jessie Diggins is one of perseverance, advocacy, and a deep love for the sport that has shaped her life.

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