Jessie Diggins Honored at World Cup Finals as SVSEF Racers Watch
Filmogaz.com reports that three Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Gold Team skiers raced at the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals. The event took place at Mt. Van Hoevenberg near Lake Placid from March 20 to 22.
Event snapshot
The Finals drew roughly 14,000 spectators over three days. Twelve U.S. athletes made up the American contingent. The program included 10km Classic Interval Start, Classic Sprint, and 20km Skate Mass Start races.
Organizers presented Crystal Globe awards and honored retiring athletes. The weekend highlighted both established champions and rising talent. An expanded U.S. quota gave more American racers critical World Cup exposure.
SVSEF athletes and race results
The SVSEF Gold Team was represented by Will Koch, John Steel Hagenbuch, and Sammy Smith. Their participation gave these young athletes valuable World Cup experience.
| Date | Race | Athlete | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 20 | 10km Classic Interval Start | John Steel Hagenbuch | 32nd |
| March 20 | 10km Classic Interval Start | Sammy Smith | 47th |
| March 21 | Classic Sprint Final | Will Koch | 55th |
| March 21 | Classic Sprint Final | Sammy Smith | 17th |
| March 22 | 20km Skate Mass Start | John Steel Hagenbuch | 69th |
| March 22 | 20km Skate Mass Start | Sammy Smith | 50th |
Sammy Smith finished 47th in the 10km and improved to 17th in the sprint. She then placed 50th in the 20km mass start. Will Koch raced in snowy conditions and placed 55th in the sprint. Hagenbuch earned 32nd in the 10km and 69th in the mass start.
Community and celebration
Jessie Diggins Honored at World Cup Finals as SVSEF Racers Watch, and fans turned out in force. The event became a celebration of her career and the sport.
About 400 youth skiers joined a rain-soaked “One Last Lap” with Diggins after her final World Cup race. Many skiers and families attended, creating a multi-generational atmosphere.
SVSEF Head Comp Team Coach Chris Mallory attended with his son Finn and father Leigh. The Mallory presence underscored connections across generations. Finn summed up his day simply: “Cheering for all the ski racers.”
Looking ahead
The Finals offered young Americans a taste of elite competition. The experience should help build momentum for future U.S. cross-country teams.
Full event results are available at mtvanhoevenberg.com/xcworldcupfinals. Filmogaz.com covered the performances and atmosphere in Lake Placid.
