America’s Greatest Cross-Country Skier Prepares for Final Olympics

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina approach, Jessie Diggins stands as the most accomplished cross-country skier in United States history, entering her fourth and final Games with momentum, a glittering resume and plans to retire at season’s end.

The 34-year-old from Afton, Minnesota, has transformed American cross-country skiing, breaking barriers with historic victories and inspiring a new generation. With three Olympic medals in every color, multiple World Cup overall titles and a record number of podiums, Diggins has elevated the sport’s profile in the U.S. Here are 10 key things to know about the trailblazing athlete as she nears the close of her remarkable career.

1. Historic Olympic Breakthrough Diggins and teammate Kikkan Randall made history at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics by winning gold in the women’s team sprint freestyle — the first-ever Olympic medal in cross-country skiing for the United States. Their dramatic come-from-behind finish ended a drought dating back decades and sparked widespread interest in the endurance sport.
2. Most Decorated U.S. Cross-Country Skier Diggins holds the distinction as America’s most successful cross-country skier ever. She has secured three Olympic medals: gold in 2018 (team sprint), silver in the 30km freestyle and bronze in the individual sprint at the 2022 Beijing Games. She also boasts seven FIS Nordic World Ski Championships medals, including two golds.
3. Multiple World Cup Overall Titles Diggins has claimed the FIS Cross-Country World Cup overall Crystal Globe three times (2021, 2023, 2025), a feat unmatched by any other American woman. She also won the distance Crystal Globe three times and became the first American — and first non-European — to win the prestigious Tour de Ski in 2021, repeating the triumph in 2024 and 2026.
4. Record World Cup Victories and Podiums Heading into the 2026 Olympics, Diggins has amassed 33 World Cup wins and 88 podium finishes, with additional victories pushing her totals higher in the current season. In the 2025-26 campaign, she leads the overall standings with 1563 points, ahead of Sweden’s Moa Ilar, and dominates the distance category as well.
5. Early Life and Multi-Sport Background Born Aug. 26, 1991, in Saint Paul and raised in Afton, Minnesota, Diggins began skiing at age 3, encouraged by her outdoor-loving parents, Deb and Clay. A versatile athlete, she participated in dancing, soccer, violin, swimming (specializing in the 100m fly) and track before committing to cross-country skiing in high school. She joined the U.S. Ski Team in 2011 and made her World Cup debut that year.
6. Advocacy for Mental Health and Climate Beyond racing, Diggins uses her platform to advocate for mental health through her ambassadorship with The Emily Program, which supports eating disorder recovery. She has spoken openly about her own challenges and promotes body positivity in sports. She also champions climate action as an ambassador for Protect Our Winters and Share Winter, emphasizing environmental stewardship in winter sports.
7. Signature Style: Glitter and Grit Known for applying sparkles to her cheeks before every race, Diggins combines flair with fierce competitiveness. Her strength lies in endurance and a powerful finishing kick rather than flawless classic technique, allowing her to outlast rivals in grueling events. She thrives in pain, often describing races as tests of mental fortitude.
8. Resilience Through Challenges Diggins has overcome setbacks, including food poisoning during the 2022 Olympics yet still medaling. Her consistent training and recovery focus — emphasizing fueling, hydration and rest — have sustained a long career. In recent interviews, she credits loving the grind and pushing physical limits for her success.
9. Retirement Announcement and Final Season In November 2025, Diggins announced the 2025-26 season would be her last, culminating in retirement after the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid, New York, in March 2026. She plans to transition to public speaking and ambassadorships. Entering Milano Cortina, she remains world No. 1 and eyes strong performances across all six women’s events, starting with the skiathlon.
10. Legacy and Impact on U.S. Skiing Diggins has raised the bar for American cross-country skiing, inspiring youth participation and spikes in programs like the Minnesota Youth Ski League. Her achievements have normalized excellence in a European-dominated sport, proving U.S. athletes can compete at the highest level. As she approaches her final Olympics, she emphasizes racing for values like love, acceptance and compassion.

With the Milano Cortina Games underway — her first event, the skiathlon, scheduled early in the program — Diggins arrives in peak form, leading World Cup rankings and carrying the hopes of a nation she has represented with distinction. Her journey from Minnesota trails to global podiums exemplifies perseverance, joy in sport and advocacy off the snow.

As one chapter closes, Diggins leaves an indelible mark: a pioneer who brought gold to America and showed that endurance, heart and a bit of glitter can conquer the world.