Cross-country skiing: Jessie Diggins to retire
On Wednesday, 34-year-old American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins announced in a press release and on her social networks that she would be retiring from her great and beautiful career at the end of the season.
A number of top American skiers paid tribute to them.
Mikaela Shiffrin, alpine skiing
“I am so pleased to celebrate Jessie [Diggins] in her final season. She has been a huge inspiration in sport and beyond, and her joy and whole presence is so inspiring and infectious. She has built a wonderful legacy and shown that when you combine passion, spark and the ability to stay true to yourself, you can move mountains.”
Lindsey Vonn, alpine skiing
“Jessie [Diggins] has had an incredible career, and as a fan I will miss watching her warm smile and the glitter on her face. Jessie [Diggins] has inspired so many people, not only through her outstanding sporting achievements, but also through the way she conducts herself outside of skiing. Through her honest and open attitude to her difficulties, she has helped so many people in ways that go far beyond sport. Thank you, Jessie, for inspiring me and showing the world who you are over the years.”
Paula Moltzan, alpine skiing
“Even though Jessie [Diggins] and I compete in different disciplines, her legacy extends far beyond cross-country skiing. Her hard-working mentality, positivism and unwavering belief in what is possible inspired me – and so many others – to dream bigger and push harder, including when she led me to take a celebratory leap onto the World Cup podium! She showed what it means to lead from the heart and uplift those around us, and I try to take that energy with me.”
Julia Kern, cross-country skiing
“There’s so much to say, but Jessie [Diggins] has been there for me as a mentor, teammate and friend since my first day in the US team. I couldn’t be more grateful. I really feel like I’ve won the lottery by having her by my side for the last ten years. From learning to become the best in the world, to having fun along the way, to navigating the World Cup circuit year after year, she has led by example, with both grit and grace. Beyond the results, Jessie [Diggins] has shown how athletes can have a lasting impact outside of competition, championing the causes she cares about and using her platform to achieve more than just sport.”
Ben Ogden, cross-country skiing
“Jessie [Diggins] has been an incredible role model and teacher for me. I feel extremely fortunate to have been her teammate for so long. Her ability to dominate the world stage while remaining humble, thoughtful and caring is something I will always aspire to replicate.”
Nick Goepper, freestyle skiing
“Jessie Diggins is skiing. She is perseverance, courage, personality and energy. She is a profound inspiration to girls and athletes everywhere, showing what it means to be a winner, a mentor, a leader and a true American!”
Hunter Hess, freestyle skiing
“Jessie, huge congratulations on an incredible career! You’ve always inspired me and so many others with your passion, your positivity and your incomparable work ethic. Enjoy your retirement, you’ve more than earned it. And please don’t take up halfpipe skiing… I’m really scared you’ll take my job away from me!”
Jaelin Kauf, mogul skiing
“Jessie [Diggins] has always been a huge inspiration to me! Not just for what she’s achieved, but for the way she’s done it. The way she carries herself, competes her heart out and pulls others up shows what we female athletes are really capable of. She has shown that success is not just about talent, but also about resilience, passion and the belief that you can push the boundaries, not just for yourself, but for the next generation of women in sport.”
Bea Kim, snowboard
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jessie through US Ski & Snowboard, our joint sponsors and Protect Our Winters. Her infectious smile and positive attitude, whatever the situation, is truly inspiring. I feel so lucky to have spent time with a cross-country skiing legend and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
