Jessie Diggins won gold ahead of Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson.
Then Therese Johaug could not hold back the tears.
– I was moved, says the Norwegian icon.
In advance, perhaps not many people had guessed American WC gold in the 10 kilometer race in Planica. Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson were completely superior in this weekend’s skiathlon, and stood once again as given gold favorites.
Broke down after the gold
But instead, it was American veteran Jessie Diggins who went out the hardest, and during the second half of the race she increased the pace even more. Diggins flinched at every interval, and it was clear early on that no one would be able to threaten her. It was 31-year-old Diggins’ first individual WC gold and afterwards there were many emotions.
Diggins couldn’t stop crying in goal, and it was clear how much the gold meant to her.
– I can not stop crying. It’s so special. I had fantastic skiing today, she tells NRK.
She also believes that she comes from a tough period, where she was away from her family a lot.
– This year has been a lot of ups and downs. I wish my husband could be here, because I haven’t been home in months. It’s tough. I miss my family and my husband very much. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love what I do, because it’s not easy.
READ MORE: Norwegian joy after Sweden’s gold medal miss in the World Cup – the expert cheers straight out: “Isn’t it delicious?”
Johaug’s tears
But it wasn’t just Diggins who was emotional. At the same time as the images of a crying Diggins were broadcast, Therese Johaug, an expert at NRK, could not hold back the tears either.
– I started crying myself. I was moved on her behalf. Me and Jessica are good friends and we had good contact throughout my career, says Johaug.
Even in the Swedish camp, people were happy about Jessie Diggins’ success – and the importance of the gold for cross-country skiing in general.
– Of course you want a Swede to be at the top, but if there’s anyone you want to win, it’s really Jessie Diggins. It’s also good for the sport that there won’t be too much Sweden and Norway, says cross country manager Lars Öberg in Viaplay.
Frida Karlsson, who won silver, said she had a good race, but that Diggins was “excellent”. Sweden gets a chance for revenge – and a fourth gold in Planica – during the relay on Thursday.
READ MORE: Huge drama: Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson miss out on the WC gold – the Swedes have to settle for silver and bronze again