One Last Olympic Run: Jessie Diggins Reflects on Legacy, Mental Health & Milan Cortina

Jessie Diggins is preparing for one final Olympic chapter.

The Minnesota native and most decorated American cross-country skier in history will compete in her fifth and final Olympic Games at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics before retiring from competition.

Diggins first captured the world’s attention in 2018, helping Team USA win its first-ever Olympic gold medal in cross-country skiing. Since then, she has earned three Olympic medals, countless World Championship podiums, and in 2025 claimed the Overall World Cup Crystal Globe.

But Diggins says her proudest achievement goes beyond medals. Through her book Brave Enough, she courageously shared her journey overcoming an eating disorder—becoming a leading voice for mental health awareness in elite sports.

As she looks ahead to her final Olympic start, Diggins reflects on resilience, gratitude, and racing with joy—representing not just herself, but the community and country that helped shape her historic career.

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