Success is no stranger to Afton native Jessie Diggins. Not only is she an Olympic Gold medalist, but also one of the most decorated American cross-country skiers of all time.
Now, Diggins is coming off another victory, her second, in the 2024 Tour de Ski, although it didn’t come easy.
During her last race, Diggins suffered an injury near the end, as a replacement pole struck her face and left her bloodied.
“That added a level of complexity for me. It added a whole new level of pain management and having to deal with extra distractions. I will say this was a much harder win than the first time,” she said.
Despite the struggles she had, Diggins now says she’s looking back fondly at the race and her victory.
“I have taken a moment to really let the tour soak in and to appreciate what we accomplished as a team,” Diggins said.
The Olympian is now shifting her focus to the Stifel Loppet Cup held at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis in February.
“This has been a career-long dream of mine. To race in my own country and then in my own state and in front of the people who raised me and the communities that have supported me my whole life,” Diggins said.
Diggins also says she would like to race in the Olympics one more time, which are being held in Italy in 2026.