Jessie Diggins commits to the 2024 Birkebeiner
Jessie Diggins, an Olympic gold medalist and multiple World Championship medalist, announced few days ago her decision to compete in the iconic American Birkebeiner race. "The stars aligned with my race schedule for the first time since I turned 18 years old, and I'm so pumped to do this race that I've watched my parents do and been involved with my whole life," Diggins excitedly posted at her Instagram account @jessiediggins. "Birkie" is the most celebrated cross-country skiing event in the United States, and you can learn more about it here. The fortunate alignment of stars and race schedules is due to the Birkie week occurring right after the World Cup race in Minneapolis. Diggins' decision to compete in the Birkebeiner not only showcases her enduring love for Nordic skiing and the Mid-West Nordic skiing community but also offers another opportunity to inspire others and elevate the prestige of the XC skiing event, which saw participation from over 13,000 skiers from 20 countries throughout the week last year.
Despite her remarkable achievements, not everyone is familiar with Jessie Diggins – even if they live in Minnesota like my friend Eric. In the world of Nordic skiing, few names shine as brightly as hers. Diggins' passion for the sport, unwavering commitment, and impressive accomplishments have not only made her a household name in the skiing community but also thrust her into the global spotlight. Here are some of her most noteworthy accomplishments:
Olympic Gold: Diggins, alongside teammate Kikkan Randall, secured the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the United States in cross-country skiing at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Their thrilling performance in the team sprint freestyle event captured the hearts of sports fans worldwide. Furthermore, at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Diggins won the silver medal in the 30-kilometer freestyle and the bronze medal in the individual sprint, making her the most decorated American cross-country skier of all time.
World Championship Medals: Diggins has consistently delivered outstanding performances at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, earning four medals in various events from 2013 to 2017. In a historic achievement, she became the first American to win a gold medal in an individual event at the 2023 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Planica, Slovenia.
Overall World Cup Victory: Talking about firsts, in 2021, Diggins clinched the top spot in the women's overall standings of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup, claiming the biggest annual prize in cross-country skiing and becoming the first American to do so. That same year, she also triumphed in the Tour de Ski, a demanding multi-stage cross-country skiing competition that tests an athlete's endurance and skill.
Jessie Diggins' influence extends beyond the ski trails. In 2020, she co-authored a book titled "Brave Enough." This memoir offers readers insights into her personal journey, from growing up in Afton, Minnesota, to her ascent as a skiing legend. The book not only offers a glimpse into the challenges she faced but also serves as an inspirational tale of determination and resilience. It delves into the world of top-level XC skiing and also addresses Jessie's passion for the environment, her dedication to combating climate change, and her candid account of her teenage struggles with bulimia. It's a must-read for every Nordic skier.
Jessie Diggins is a true champion in every sense of the word and an inspirational figure. And her decision to race in the Birkebeiner today is just another chapter in her remarkable career and in her lifelong dedication to the Nordic skiing community.