Olympic Champion Skier Jessie Diggins on Finding a New Sport to Love Post-Retirement: Ultramarathons

**Jessie Diggins: A New Chapter Beyond The Slopes**

Jessie Diggins, a celebrated Olympic gold medalist and a true pioneer in American cross-country skiing, has recently hung up her skis, retiring as the most decorated American cross-country skier with four Olympic medals. After concluding her remarkable career during the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid, New York, in March, the 34-year-old athlete is now exploring a new athletic venture while promoting advocacy work for mental health, wellness, and environmental sustainability.

Having participated in 351 World Cup races throughout her career – mostly held overseas – Diggins expressed that finishing her last competitive race in her home country was a dream realised. “I thought for sure I was going to finish at some race in Europe, which would still have been amazing,” she remarked. “But to finish at home, close to where I grew as a skier, was incredibly special.”

Transitioning from elite skiing, Diggins is now setting her sights on ultramarathons – a sport that excites her with its new challenges. She plans to undertake her first ultramarathon this fall, embracing the arduous demands it presents. With a shift in focus from sheer competitive excellence to personal endurance, she shares her enthusiasm. “I want to see if I can tackle this distance and climb these mountains,” she stated.

In her pursuit of wellness, Diggins has partnered with wellness brand NOW Foods on their “Start NOW” campaign, which motivates individuals to embark on their health journeys. The campaign promotes nutrition and wellness tips, encouraging participants to track their progress through MapMyFitness. She was introduced to NOW Foods by nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky, leading to her enthusiasm for sharing recipes that keep her energised during long runs across rugged landscapes.

Diggins attributes much of her on-the-road health success in her skiing career to her nutritional regime and reliance on NOW Foods products. “I can’t believe I didn’t get sick during the last four years of my career,” she commented, highlighting the challenges of competing during cold and flu season. “I ensure I give my body what it needs to recover after pushing myself to the limits.”

Her approach to physical endurance has been underpinned by a deep understanding of mental health and wellness. Having faced an eating disorder throughout her adult life, Diggins has recently opened up about her struggles following a relapse in 2023 after 12 years in recovery. This experience encouraged her to advocate for others dealing with similar issues, serving as an ambassador for the Emily Program, an organisation dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders.

Diggins believes in raising awareness and empathy towards mental health challenges, stressing the importance of conversations surrounding mental well-being. “If you break your arm, it’s visible, and people can empathise with that pain. But it’s harder when the injury is invisible,” she explained. “I want to help make it easier for people to talk about their mental health.”

She is also actively involved in environmental advocacy, working with organisations like Protect Our Winters and Share Winter, which aim to ensure future generations have access to outdoor sports like skiing and to make skiing accessible to underserved communities.

As she steps into this new phase of her life, Diggins is embracing the notion that it is never too late to embark on new journeys. “I truly believe it’s important to start prioritising your health now,” she commented. “I want to be an example that you can always introduce new elements into your routine for better well-being.”

Through her new endeavours, Diggins hopes to inspire individuals to embrace their own paths to health and mental wellness. With her spirit of resilience and willingness to challenge herself, she aims to encourage others to step outside of their comfort zones, discover new passions, and take charge of their health.

As an athlete who embraced challenges throughout her career, Jessie Diggins’ transition from Olympic champion to advocate for health and wellness promises to be an inspiring journey. It serves as a reminder that the quest for personal growth and fulfilment can continue long after the medals are put away.