Jessie Diggins, America’s most decorated cross-country skier, heads into her fourth and likely final Olympic Games in Milan with a new perspective. She’s not just competing to win; she’s competing with a broader purpose. While maintaining her elite performance, Diggins has become a vocal advocate for mental health, climate action, and accessibility in winter sports. This shift reflects a growing trend among athletes who increasingly view their platforms as opportunities for advocacy, not just athletic achievement.
Diggins’ dedication to mental health is personal; she works with the Emily Program to support eating disorder recovery. She also champions climate action through Protect Our Winters, understanding that the future of her sport depends on a stable environment. This dual focus is deliberate: she believes that success is meaningless without broader impact.
To stay grounded, Diggins travels with a simple reminder of what matters: family. She tapes handwritten notes and photos across her Olympic bedroom walls, keeping her priorities in focus amid the pressure. This ritual isn’t just sentimental; it’s a deliberate mental strategy. The constant exposure to personal connections serves as an anchor, reinforcing her values beyond the competition.
Essential Gear for Peak Performance
Beyond the mindset, Diggins relies on specific tools to optimize her experience:
- Biodegradable Glitter: A touch of sparkle before each race isn’t frivolous; it’s a deliberate reminder to enjoy the process. Diggins uses Dermatone’s glitter kit to inject fun into high-stakes moments.
- Signature Sateen Sheets: Sleep is non-negotiable for recovery. Diggins brings her own Saatva sheets to ensure a consistent, high-quality sleep environment, knowing that even small disruptions can affect performance.
- Crochet Kit: To decompress, Diggins has taken up knitting. The repetitive motions provide a mental break from pre-race anxiety, offering a tactile outlet for stress.
- Salomon Skis: Diggins’ arsenal includes 70 pairs of skis, each meticulously tuned for specific conditions. This level of detail highlights the technical precision required in the sport, where even minor adjustments can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Diggins’ approach is a model for modern athletes who understand that physical excellence alone isn’t enough. The ability to balance peak performance with personal values and mental well-being is the new standard.
This holistic approach extends beyond the athlete’s personal life. The Olympics themselves reflect broader cultural shifts, from bidets being unfamiliar to international visitors to increased awareness of smart home technology. The games aren’t just about sports; they are a microcosm of global trends and evolving consumer habits.
In the end, Jessie Diggins’ preparation isn’t just about skis and glitter; it’s about bringing her whole self to the competition. This blend of athletic prowess, mental resilience, and social consciousness is what defines her legacy.
