Jessie Diggins Prepares for Final Olympic Appearance

The decorated cross-country skier plans to celebrate her retirement at the Milan Cortina Winter Games.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:47am

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Jessie Diggins, the most decorated U.S. cross-country skier, is preparing for her fourth and final Olympics in Milan Cortina. The 34-year-old Minnesota native is retiring at the end of the season and is looking forward to finally getting some rest after years of relentless training and competition. Diggins has already won gold, silver, and bronze medals, and is a strong favorite to add to her collection in what will be her last Olympic appearance.

Why it matters

Diggins' retirement marks the end of an era for U.S. cross-country skiing. She has been a trailblazer for the sport, becoming the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in cross-country skiing and inspiring a new generation of skiers with her fearless racing style and glittered flair. Her legacy extends beyond medals, as she has also been an advocate for climate action and better access to treatment for eating disorders.

The details

Diggins has been dominant on the World Cup circuit this season, retaining the lead in the overall women's standings. She recently won her third overall Tour de Ski title and finished second in the 20-kilometer classic in Goms, Switzerland, just 0.9 seconds behind Finland's Johanna Matintalo. Diggins grew up in Afton, Minnesota, and started skiing competitively at the age of 11. She quickly rose through the ranks, surpassing her peers and eventually making the U.S. Olympic team.

  • Diggins will compete in her fourth and final Olympics in Milan Cortina in 2026.
  • She recently won her third overall Tour de Ski title in northern Italy this month.
  • Diggins finished second in the 20-kilometer classic in Goms, Switzerland, last weekend.

The players

Jessie Diggins

A 34-year-old cross-country skier from Minnesota who is the most decorated U.S. Olympian in the sport, having won gold, silver, and bronze medals. She is retiring from competitive skiing after the 2026 Winter Games.

Johanna Matintalo

A Finnish cross-country skier who finished first in the 20-kilometer classic race in Goms, Switzerland, where Diggins placed second.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really excited to have a whole weekend off. I realize that sounds kind of crazy, but ... I haven't had two days in a row that are actually mine in a very long time. So that's going to feel really special.”

— Jessie Diggins

“It was so cool — just feeling so much love across different sports. It's been really awesome.”

— Jessie Diggins

What’s next

Diggins will compete in her final Olympics in Milan Cortina in 2026, where she will look to add to her medal collection and celebrate her storied career.

The takeaway

Jessie Diggins' retirement marks the end of an era for U.S. cross-country skiing, but her legacy will live on through her advocacy, resilience, and the joy she brought to the sport. Her final Olympic appearance in Milan Cortina will be a celebration of her remarkable career and the impact she has had on the sport and her community.