Jessie Diggins Sets Cross-Country Skiing Record at 34
American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins just became the athlete with the most World Cup starts in the sport's history while racing in Sweden. The 34-year-old placed second by just .01 seconds in a dramatic finish, earning her 89th career podium.
In her final season, America's greatest cross-country skier just proved why she's earned that title.
Jessie Diggins, 34, made history at the World Cup in Falun, Sweden this past weekend. The race marked her 357th World Cup start, more than any cross-country skier in the sport's history.
But Diggins didn't just show up for the record. She fought tooth and nail in one of the most grueling events on the circuit.
The skiathlon demands 10 kilometers of classic skiing followed by 10 kilometers of freestyle skating, all starting in a mass start format. Diggins battled Norway's Heidi Weng and Sweden's Freida Karlsson for the top spot throughout the entire race.
In the final five kilometers, the three skiers created a massive gap from the rest of the field. Karlsson led heading into the last kilometer, but Weng and Diggins weren't finished.
Diggins and Weng passed Karlsson in the final moments. Weng lunged across the finish line just .01 seconds ahead of Diggins for the win.
The second place finish marked Diggins' 89th World Cup podium. For Weng, it was her first World Cup victory since 2022 and the 144th of her career.
Why This Inspires
Diggins shared what the record really meant to her on social media. It wasn't just about the number.
"Here's what I am actually most proud of: It takes an amazing team and a ton of support to race this long," she wrote. She credited her team for supporting her through highs and lows over the years.
She also revealed a deeper truth about longevity in elite sports. Getting her mental health on track allowed her physical health to thrive, which became the key to racing with joy for so long.
Before the race, Diggins high-fived kids covered in glitter. Seeing that joy shared, regardless of age, made her proud of what she stands for in the sport.
Just weeks ago at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, Diggins won bronze in the 50k race. That medal made her the most decorated American cross-country skier of all time with four Olympic medals.
Four races remain in the 2026 World Cup season, with the final event taking place on home turf in Lake Placid, New York from March 20-22.
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Based on reporting by Google: world cup victory
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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