That Jessie Diggins is currently leading the overall ski world cup race, is a small miracle. The American did not know from the beginning of the season whether he would be ready to compete this winter.
A few years ago, 32-year-old Diggins spoke openly about her eating disorder, bulimia, which she had contracted as a teenager. Although the disorder had remained under control throughout the time Diggins rose to the top of skiing’s brightest world and won Olympic medals, World Cup medals and World Cup competitions, she knew that it may not have completely disappeared.
Last July, Diggins found herself battling an eating disorder again.
Unlike when he was 18, this time the skier knew he could ask for help. She was open about it to her husband, family, coaches and therapist. In addition to this, Diggins told about it directly on his Instagram account, because he wanted to show that athletes are people too. Athletes also have difficulties that can be overcome.
– I was a little afraid that I would be criticized or that people would judge me, say things that would hurt me, Diggins admitted in an interview with SVT during the Salpausselkä Games.
– However, I knew that I could do a lot of good. I decided that if this outlet helped even one person, it would be worth it.
Diggins received a lot of contact. Not just from their fans, but from people who wrestle with the same things. Coaches who train young people also said that Diggins’ speech opened their eyes. It showed him that he made the right decision.
“Eating disorder is a very serious health-threatening mental health disorder, from which people die every year, every day.”
“It’s not a choice. It is one of the biggest misconceptions that prevents people from seeking help.”
Get rid of the need to make results
Preparing for this season, Diggins took it one day and one week at a time. When he made the decision with his team to start his competitive season, he had no idea how it would go.
Diggins didn’t want to pressure himself into thinking about the entire race season right away. He wanted to keep the back door open for himself, in case the return to the race tracks didn’t work out.
– I didn’t promise to compete in every competition. It was very important and healthy for me, but also very different compared to previous years. At that time, I came into the season with the idea that of course I would ski the whole season and I wanted to be on the road for four months. This has been a very different approach to the season.
Diggins showed his character as a fighter right from the Ruka World Cup weekend. His struggle in the pursuit of the 20-kilometer freestyle skiing has been etched in the minds of many. At the end of the race, in the bitter cold, he lost his glove and got hit in the face by the pole. However, this did not slow Diggins’ pace, and he crossed the finish line in second place.
Diggins admits that getting sick has brought perspective to his life, which has had a positive effect on his sports career. He has always felt lucky and grateful to be able to ski as a profession, but now he feels even more grateful.
– I have realized that something as horrible as an eating disorder can take this away from me. That’s why I’m really enjoying this and having fun.
Diggins has felt a lot of pressure at times. He has wanted to succeed and not disappoint his team. Now he has let go of the need to make results.
– When I started thinking that I’m having fun, I’m doing my best and that’s why I started to succeed and perform better. It’s ironic because when I let go of the results, I started to achieve them, he laughs.
– Physically, of course, I don’t recommend this kind of approach, but mentally, when I saw the big picture, it really helped me in my skiing career. I’ve been doing this for a very long time, but suddenly I’m seeing things with new eyes.
“It’s not just about me”
For Diggins, this season has been his best, but also his most challenging. The American has a chance to win the second overall World Cup race of his career this weekend, but Sweden Linn Svahn has risen to join the leading ranks in the last few meters.
If Diggins wears the leader’s yellow vest until the end, it won’t change him or his life. It is more important for him to be a good person and teammate.
– Of course, that would be cool, because it’s not just about me. It’s also about the maintenance team, coaches and other team members, as well as all the volunteers. Of all those who are with us. It’s not just one person competing here.
“No matter how hard I try to ignore the pressure, I can’t get past it. I see it every time I look down and see the yellow vest.”
“Even if I don’t succeed in the games, it doesn’t affect me as a person. That’s important to remember.”
Diggins’ team mentality lives on strong in the United States Ski Team. If someone on the team succeeds, everyone on the team succeeds. Even in the moment of difficulties, the team lives strongly together, even though it is an individual sport.
– If someone has difficulties, it is everyone’s job to help them. I’ve had a lot of help and support this year, so when I’m successful, everyone wins.
Diggins compares his teammates to little brothers and sisters. He considers the team his family and is ready to take care of everyone. As the team’s best athlete, Diggins also knows that he is a role model for others, whose actions are closely monitored.
– Then when I stop skiing, and if no one succeeds after me, then I haven’t done my job properly. I want to finish knowing that I did everything I could to help my teammates be the best versions of themselves.
Diggins enjoys watching his teammates succeed. Among other things by Gus Schumacher winning in front of the home crowd in Minneapolis was one of the most incredible experiences for him.
– When I see that they become stars too, it’s so cool and rewarding. It feels like I have done the right things, imparted information, taught and encouraged them.
Sustaining passion
Diggins has been skiing the World Cup since 2011. In the same year, he also skied in his first prestigious competitions, the World Championships in Oslo. Diggins says he is already looking forward to the next Olympics, which will be held in 2026 in Italy. He hasn’t thought about the time after that, just like the main goal of the Olympics.
– Right now I just want to be happy, healthy and compete. By the time of the next Olympics, I’ve been competing for a very long time, but it’s still exciting. I still get excited for every race and it’s awesome!
– I think that the day I’m not excited about the Games anymore, I won’t care anymore. My main goal is to keep that passion alive.
The final climax of the cross-country skiing world cup in Falun continues on Saturday with the 10 kilometer (p) races. The women’s race starts at 12:00 and the men’s at 14:55. Live broadcasts on TV2, Areena and in the follow-up article on ‘s website.