Jessie Diggins Triumphs with Bronze Amid Winter Olympics Pain
Jessie Diggins, the American Olympian, showcased her resilience by securing a bronze medal in the women’s 10-kilometer freestyle at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This event took place on February 12, 2026, in Tesero, Italy. Despite competing with bruised ribs, Diggins finished the race with a time of 23:38.90, finishing strong amid intense pain.
Race Highlights
Diggins’ performance was remarkable, especially as she crossed the finish line and immediately fell to the ground, struggling to catch her breath. Her determination shone through as she pushed herself against strong competition from Swedish and Norwegian skiers.
Race Results
- Gold: Frida Karlsson (Sweden) – 22:49.20
- Silver: Ebba Andersson (Sweden) – 46.6 seconds behind Karlsson
- Bronze: Jessie Diggins (USA) – 23:38.90
- 4th Place: Astrid Oeyre Slind (Norway) – just over 3 seconds behind Diggins
Significance for Team USA
This bronze medal marked the first for Team USA on that day, contributing to the nation’s medal tally as it aimed to keep pace with Italy and Norway. Diggins’ achievement continues her legacy as a successful Olympic athlete.
Previous Achievements
- 2022 Winter Olympics: Silver medal in the 10km freestyle.
- 2022 Winter Olympics: Bronze in the individual sprint.
- 2018 Winter Olympics: Gold in the team sprint.
With more events coming, including the 50-meter classical race and the 4×7.5-kilometer relay, Diggins remains in contention for additional medals. Her teammate, Ben Ogden, also earned a silver in the men’s classical sprint earlier this week, adding to Team USA’s successes in cross-country skiing.
Jessie Diggins’ journey reflects her dedication and love for the sport, further establishing her reputation as one of the foremost athletes in cross-country skiing.
