When is Jessie Diggins retiring from cross-country skiing?

Jessie Diggins announced that this season will be her last, with her final competition being the 2026 Winter Olympics and potentially the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid, New York.

Why does Jessie Diggins keep her Olympic medals in tote bags?

Diggins stores her Olympic medals in tote bags for school visits, as she prefers not to display them at home to avoid complacency and maintain focus on her current passion for skiing.

What is Jessie Diggins' pre-race ritual?

Jessie Diggins uses a pre-race ritual of applying glitter and sparkles to her face, which serves as a reminder of her love for skiing and helps her enjoy the process.

Home / Sports / Diggins' Glittery Goodbye: Last Olympics for Ski Icon

Diggins' Glittery Goodbye: Last Olympics for Ski Icon

3 Feb

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Summary

Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins will retire after this season.
She stores medals in tote bags to share and stay grounded.
Diggins prioritizes skiing joy, pre-race glitter, and mental health advocacy.

Diggins' Glittery Goodbye: Last Olympics for Ski Icon

Jessie Diggins, the most decorated U.S. cross-country skier, is preparing for her fourth and final Olympic Games in Milano Cortina in 2026. She has announced that this season marks her retirement from the sport.

Diggins' three Olympic medals are not displayed in her home but are kept in tote bags for school visits. This practice helps her stay focused on the present and avoid complacency, as she believes each day requires renewed effort.

Her approach to skiing prioritizes joy and personal fulfillment over results, a philosophy symbolized by her pre-race glitter ritual. This practice serves as a reminder of her love for the sport and helps manage performance pressure. Diggins has also been a vocal advocate for mental health, sharing her personal journey.