Jessie Diggins was celebrated by everyone after her unexpected World Cup gold.
Frida Karlsson can hardly get used to the situation.
– I had perished from it, she says.
It’s rare that rivals are so happy for another skier’s success as after the 10 kilometer race in the World Ski Championships on Tuesday. Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson were the big favorites before the race, but had to settle for silver and bronze. American Jessie Diggins was superior, and could not keep her emotions under control after the finish.
Karlsson’s strong words
The gold was Diggins’ first individual at the World Championships, and the tears flowed afterwards. She was hugged by all the rivals, and just about everyone cheered afterwards. Partly because it is important for cross-country skiing that nations other than Sweden and Norway assert themselves, which is good for the regrowth of the sport. But also for what Jessie Diggins has sacrificed.
Diggins will go to Europe at the start of the season in November, then stay until the season ends. Diggins spoke afterwards about how much she misses her husband and all her loved ones back home. And Frida Karlsson hardly believes that it is true how Diggins lives during one season – and therefore treated the American to success.
– I had perished, says Karlsson to VG.
READ MORE: Frida Karlsson’s open-hearted confession in the middle of the skiing World Cup – after all the rumours: “I know that people think I am…”
“The first thing she said was…”
Frida Karlsson was also emotional after the race, especially when Diggins broke down.
– When the tears came to her in the goal area, the first thing she said was that she wished her husband was there. It was quite tough to do, says Karlsson.
Jessie Diggins opened up after the race about how tough it is for her to spend so much time away from home season after season.
– I have been traveling since November. It has been like that for 10 years. It’s tough. That’s why it’s so nice to feel the love from my husband and my family, she says, and continues:
– I have already been able to talk to my husband. It was really special.
READ MORE: Here is Stina Nilsson’s wonderful message of joy – after the extremely tough time: “Hello Stina!”