Olympic Skier Keeps Gold Medal in a Tote Bag for Schools

The most decorated cross-country skier in U.S. history keeps her Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medals stuffed in tote bags, not mounted on walls.

Jessie Diggins made history as the first American to win gold in cross-country skiing at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. She followed that with two more medals in 2022, completing a collection that should earn a place of honor in any home.

But Diggins has a different philosophy. She keeps the medals in bags so she can easily grab them for school visits and show-and-tells, then tuck them away again.

"I want to wake up every single day and go do something that makes me feel proud of how hard I work," Diggins told USA TODAY ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, her fourth and final Games. "Having Olympic medals, that was three different, amazing days, but it doesn't give you this hall pass for life."

The 33-year-old athlete announced her retirement this season, planning to finish her career at the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid, New York, this March. Her approach to success grew from watching her childhood hero, Canadian skier Beckie Scott, who won at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.

"I just love that she seemed so happy and joyous," Diggins said. "That's someone who loves what they do."

That joy shows up literally on race day. Diggins covers her face in biodegradable glitter before every competition, a ritual she calls her reminder that skiing is about love, not pressure.

"You can't be too serious when you have glitter all over your face," she said. The sparkles help her focus on the experience rather than expectations, transforming nervousness into excitement.

Why This Inspires

Diggins represents something rare in elite sports: someone who reached the absolute top while keeping perspective. She's been a vocal mental health advocate after recovering from an eating disorder, showing that success without joy is hollow.

Her choice to hide her medals isn't about false modesty. It's about understanding that yesterday's victories don't define today's purpose. Every morning offers a fresh chance to work hard, chase joy, and make new memories worth celebrating.

For her final Olympics, Diggins is bringing multiple glitter options (she's leaning toward metallics) and a mindset that makes every moment count. She knows this exact combination of feelings, teammates, and circumstances will never happen again.

Expect to see plenty of sparkles in Milano Cortina as one of America's greatest winter athletes shows the world how champions stay grounded while reaching for the sky.