Jessie Diggins’ Olympic Journey: More Than Just Medals

Jessie Diggins stands as a titan in the world of cross-country skiing, her name etched in history as America’s most decorated athlete in the sport. As she prepares for her fourth and final Olympic Games in Milan, Diggins arrives not just as a competitor, but as a transformed athlete whose impact extends far beyond the snow-covered trails.

At 32, Diggins has evolved from the promising young skier who shocked the world with America’s first-ever gold in cross-country skiing at Pyeongchang to a seasoned veteran with a broader perspective on life and sport. “I’m still focused on being as good a teammate as I can be and performing to my highest potential,” she tells WIRED, “but there’s much more behind each race now.”

This transformation isn’t just about athletic prowess. Diggins has become a powerful advocate for causes close to her heart. Through her work with the Emily Program, she’s breaking down barriers around mental health and eating disorder recovery, sharing her own journey to inspire others. As an ambassador for Protect Our Winters, she’s leveraging her platform to fight climate change, recognizing that the very landscapes she competes on are under threat. Her support for the Share Winter Foundation demonstrates her commitment to making winter sports accessible to all, ensuring that future generations can experience the joy and challenge of skiing.

But what truly sets Diggins apart is how she maintains perspective amid the intense pressure of Olympic competition. Her secret? A carefully curated collection of personal items that travel with her to every Games, serving as tangible reminders of what truly matters.

The Olympic Essentials: More Than Just Gear

An Instant Smile

Before every race, Diggins reaches for something that might seem small but carries enormous significance: biodegradable glitter. This isn’t mere vanity or celebration—it’s a deliberate ritual that reminds her to find joy in the moment. “It’s supposed to be fun!” she emphasizes, and that philosophy is evident in her racing style, where fierce competitiveness meets genuine enthusiasm.

She’s chosen Dermatone’s biodegradable glitter kit not just for its performance but for its environmental consciousness. The kit includes two mini balms, red and blue glitter pots, and four ski-themed stencils—tools that transform her pre-race routine into a celebration of the sport she loves.

A Good Night’s Sleep

For an elite athlete, sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a critical component of performance. Diggins understands this better than most, which is why she insists on bringing her own bedding to the Olympic Village. Saatva’s Signature Sateen Sheet Set has become her sleep sanctuary, transforming unfamiliar hotel rooms into familiar comfort zones.

Made from 300-thread-count long-staple cotton, these sheets offer the breathability and cooling properties essential for recovery. “Sleep is the most important way to recover and be ready to race at my best, so having a great sleep environment is key for me,” Diggins explains. This attention to detail—ensuring that even her rest supports her athletic goals—exemplifies the meticulous approach that has defined her career.

Something to Do With Her Hands

This season marked a new chapter in Diggins’ life: she discovered knitting. What began as a way to decompress has become a vital part of her mental health routine. “It’s been a huge mental health boost for me on nervous pre-racing mornings,” she shares. The rhythmic, repetitive nature of knitting provides a meditative escape from the pressure of competition.

She’s so committed to this new passion that she’s bringing enough wool and needles to knit an entire sweater during the Games. This creative outlet serves multiple purposes: it keeps her hands busy during downtime, provides a sense of accomplishment outside of racing, and offers a tangible reminder that her identity extends beyond being an athlete.

Salomon Skis: The Tools of the Trade

Of course, no discussion of Diggins’ Olympic preparation would be complete without mentioning her equipment. As a Salomon athlete, she has access to some of the most advanced skiing technology available. Her S/Lab Skate skis, paired with Shift Race bindings, represent the pinnacle of cross-country ski engineering.

But here’s where it gets fascinating: Diggins travels with 70 pairs of racing skis, each meticulously tuned for different snow conditions and weather scenarios. This isn’t excess—it’s strategic preparation. Before each race, her wax technician and coach, Jason Cork, will test various pairs to determine which will perform optimally given the day’s specific conditions.

This level of preparation speaks to the complexity of cross-country skiing as a sport. Unlike many Olympic disciplines where equipment remains relatively consistent, cross-country skiing demands constant adaptation to changing environmental conditions. The difference between victory and defeat can come down to choosing the right pair of skis for the day.

The Human Side of Olympic Greatness

What makes Diggins’ story particularly compelling is how she balances the extraordinary demands of Olympic competition with deeply human needs and connections. Her framed family photo, the stack of good-luck notes from friends and family, the ritual of taping these memories to her bedroom wall—these aren’t just sentimental touches. They’re strategic elements of her mental preparation, grounding her in what matters most when the pressure mounts.

As she competes in all six cross-country ski events in Milan (despite battling bruised ribs that eliminated her from the sprint classic quarterfinals), Diggins carries with her not just the weight of expectation but the wisdom that comes from experience. She’s learned that Olympic greatness isn’t just about physical preparation or technical excellence—it’s about maintaining perspective, nurturing connections, and remembering why she started this journey in the first place.

In an era where elite athletes are often portrayed as single-minded competitors focused solely on victory, Diggins offers a different model. She demonstrates that it’s possible to be both ruthlessly competitive and deeply human, to pursue excellence while maintaining a sense of joy and purpose that extends far beyond the medal stand.

As she competes in what she’s called her final Olympics, Jessie Diggins isn’t just racing for another medal. She’s showing the world what it means to be a complete athlete—one who understands that true greatness encompasses not just what happens on the course, but how one lives off it.

Tags & Viral Phrases:

• Most decorated cross-country skier in American history
• Ranked best cross-country skier in the world
• First US gold in cross-country skiing at Pyeongchang
• Advocates for mental health and eating disorder recovery
• Ambassador for climate action with Protect Our Winters
• Champions access to winter sports through Share Winter Foundation
• Travels with framed family photo and good-luck notes
• Uses biodegradable glitter before every race
• Brings own bedding for optimal sleep recovery
• Took up knitting as mental health boost
• Travels with 70 pairs of Salomon racing skis
• Competing in all six cross-country ski events despite bruised ribs
• Final Olympics at age 32
• Demonstrates Olympic greatness extends beyond medals
• Shows how to balance elite competition with human connection
• Proves you can be competitive and maintain joy
• Strategic preparation includes mental and emotional elements
• Wisdom that comes from Olympic experience
• Different model of what makes a complete athlete
• Impact extends far beyond snow-covered trails

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