Jessie Diggins is the most decorated cross-country skier in American history. She is also ranked as the best cross-country skier in the world, in a sport that rewards only the most spectacularly fit. Now competing in her fourth and final Olympics, the three-time Olympic medalist arrives at Milan as a different athlete than she was at her first Games. She tells WIRED that she’s more confident, more empowered, and more invested in the world beyond the sport.
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Diggins helped secure the first US gold in cross-country skiing at Pyeongchang, but her work extends far off the course. She advocates for mental health and eating disorder recovery through her work with the Emily Program, supports climate action as an ambassador for Protect Our Winters, and champions broader access to winter sports through the Share Winter Foundation. “I’m still focused on being as good a teammate as I can be and performing to my highest potential,” she says, “but there’s much more behind each race now.”
To remind her that there's a lot more than race results at stake, she doesn’t travel without a framed family photo. It sits on her nightstand whenever she’s away from home. She also packs a growing stack of loose pictures and handwritten good-luck notes from friends and family. At every Olympics, she tapes them up across her bedroom. “It reminds me of what’s really important at the end of the day,” Diggins tells WIRED.
We asked Diggins what else made the trip to Milan.
An Instant Smile
Courtesy of Dermatone Dermatone Lips & Face Biodegradable Glitter Kit - Snow/Ski $16 Dermatone
Before every race, Diggins swipes a bit of sparkle across her cheeks to remind herself to smile and enjoy the ride. “It’s supposed to be fun!” She uses Dermatone’s biodegradable glitter; its Lips & Face: Snow/Ski kit includes two mini balms, red and blue glitter pots, and four ski-themed stencils.
A Good Night's Sleep
Courtesy of Saatva Saatva Signature Sateen Sheet Set $235 Saatva (Queen)
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