Emily RussellJessie Diggins leaves a legacy of glitter and grit as she ends her ski career in Lake Placid
Jessie Diggins, of the United States, competes in the women’s World Cup 20km mass start cross country skiing race Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Lake Placid, N.Y. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Imagine that thousands of people have come to your retirement party. That’s what it felt like this past weekend at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic ski trails in Lake Placid.
Jessie Diggins, the most decorated cross-country skier in American history, closed out her career on top at the Cross Country World Cup Finals.
Six-year-old Foster Sandzén and her mom, Alice, held a big red sign that said, “Thank you, Jessie.” They drove five hours from Maine to watch Diggins compete one last time.
“I think she’s a really good skier and she never gives up what she’s going to do,” said Foster.
Alice and Foster Sandzén at the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid, cheering on Jessie Diggins. Photo: Emily Russell
Diggins, 34, grew up skiing in Minnesota and turned professional when she was 18. At that time, Kikkan Randall was the best skier in the country. Randall became like a big sister to Diggins and remembers her early days.
“A lot of energy, a lot of sparkles, but you could see over time she just developed her technique, her confidence,” said Randall.
That technique and confidence helped her and Randall make history at the 2018 Olympics. Diggins came from behind in the team sprint to win gold. It was the first Olympic gold for any American cross-country skier.
Medalists in the women’s team sprint freestyle cross-country skiing, silver medal winners Stina Nilsson and Charlotte Kalla, of Sweden, at left, gold medal winners Kikkan Randall and Jessica Diggins, of the United States, center, and bronze medal winners Marit Bjoergen and Maiken Caspersen Falla, of Norway, pose during their medals ceremony at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
At her final races in Lake Placid, Diggins looked relaxed and happy.
Heidi Lange, who leads the New England Nordic Ski Association, said Diggins’ success has lifted cross-country skiing to new levels.
“Our sport has been growing in the United States over the last few decades and I think that the level of success and the amount of visibility that she has achieved has brought the sport to more people,” said Lange.
Over her four Olympic Games, Diggins won four medals. She’s also a four-time overall World Cup champion, including for this season.
Jessie Diggins, of the United States, competed in the cross-country skiing women’s team sprint free at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
At a press conference ahead of the World Cup Finals, Diggins reflected on her 16-year career.
“I’m really proud of the things that I’ve done in a race bib and with skis on my feet, but I’m more proud of the things that I’ve done off the course.”
Diggins is a spokesperson for Protect Our Winters, a climate advocacy group. She has also been very outspoken about mental health and her struggles with an eating disorder.
“It can be really hard to ask for help when you need it,” said Diggins, “so I feel like my purpose in life is to make those conversations a little more accessible for people.”
Diggins also helped bring World Cup races back to the US in 2024 in Minnesota. The success of that event paved the way for the American debut of the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid.
Another mark Diggins will leave on the sport comes in the form of glitter. It’s part of her signature race day look and serves as a reminder that skiing is fun.
Many fans at the World Cup Finals had glittery cheeks, including ten-year-old Ella Bard from Saranac Lake.
“One day, I want to be in the Olympics,” said Bard. “When I see Jessie, she makes me want to be like her.”
Melinda Bard and Ella (center) and their family at the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid. Photo: Emily Russell
Ella’s mom, Melinda Bard, said having a role model like Diggins for her two daughters has been a real gift. “The beauty of her is hopefully she’s made such an impact that it’s going to come out in so many skiers yet to come.”
As Diggins crossed the finish line for one last time, coming in 12th, she threw her hands up in the air. Skiers from her own team and others came over for hugs.
She didn’t podium in any of the weekend’s races, but still finished as the overall World Cup champion this season. Just like any great retirement party, the crowd cheered her on for her final sendoff.