In a heartwarming display of community support and regional pride, the legendary Stormy Kromer Mercantile Co. of Ironwood, Michigan, is ensuring that Olympic champion Jessie Diggins will have the most spirited—and stylish—cheering section at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The story behind this generous gesture is as touching as it is inspiring. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, a photo captured Diggins' enthusiastic supporters cheering her on, with just one fan sporting the iconic Stormy Kromer winter cap. That single hat caught the company's attention and sparked an idea that would bring the entire community together.

This time around, things will look quite different. The Ironwood-based company has created 36 custom hats emblazoned with "Go Jessie 2026" for Diggins' friends and family members who will travel to Italy to support her. It's a fitting tribute for an athlete who has deep roots in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and represents the best of what dedication and community support can achieve.

Diggins, 34, of Minnesota, is heading into her fourth and final Olympic Games as the world's number one ranked women's cross-country skier—an incredible achievement that speaks to her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her impressive Olympic resume includes three medals spanning gold, silver, and bronze, with her crowning achievement being the gold medal in the team sprint at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

What makes this story even more special is Diggins' personal connection to the region. Her father, Clay Diggins, shared with WLUC that his daughter actually learned to ski in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, training at ABR Trails and Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails. The family's ties to the area run deep, with Clay owning property right in Ironwood—home to the very company now supporting his daughter's Olympic dreams.

The collaboration between Stormy Kromer and the Diggins family represents something beautiful: a community rallying around one of their own as she pursues greatness on the world stage. It's a reminder that behind every Olympic athlete stands a network of supporters, from family and friends to local businesses that take pride in their achievements.

As Diggins prepares for what she's announced will be her final Olympic competition before retirement, she'll carry with her not just years of training and experience, but the visible support of dozens of fans united in their custom Stormy Kromer hats. It's a send-off worthy of a champion and a testament to the power of community spirit.

The gesture also highlights the pride that Michigan's Upper Peninsula takes in its winter sports heritage and the athletes who train in its challenging terrain. From learning to ski on local trails to becoming the world's top-ranked cross-country skier, Diggins' journey embodies the possibilities that arise when talent meets opportunity and community support.

This February, when Diggins takes to the slopes in Italy, she'll have an unmistakable cheering section—a sea of custom Stormy Kromer hats reminding her that home is always with her, no matter how far she travels.