Jessie Diggins' Next Marathon: A New Trail

Jessie Diggins, celebrated as America's greatest cross-country skier, has embarked on a new athletic pursuit after retiring from her sport earlier this winter. Now at 35, she is competing in demanding 100-mile trail races. Her first such event took place along the rugged shore of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota. Race organizers noted her exceptional ability to persevere through pain, a skill that defined her 15-year professional skiing career, which included four Olympic medals and four overall World Cup titles.

Diggins views these challenging races as a gift, allowing her to consciously embrace hardship and cultivate resilience. This approach contrasts with her professional ski racing career, which she describes as having a higher level of pressure due to its economic implications. She is also pursuing a career in public speaking, sharing her experiences on mental health, grit, and teamwork. This new chapter allows her to engage with audiences, motivating them to overcome their own life challenges.