Jessie Diggins returned to the Twin Cities on Sunday and traded finish-line fireworks for hometown applause, celebrating her retirement from competitive cross-country skiing with a free, family-focused party at Allianz Field in St. Paul. The Afton native spent the afternoon on stage, taking questions from kids, posing for limited photos, and soaking in the cheers after wrapping up her final World Cup races in Lake Placid in March.
The "Here Comes Diggins!" celebration, presented by Allianz and Mortenson, ran from 1:30 to 5 p.m. and featured an on-stage program, a kid-centered Q&A, meet-and-greet photo opportunities for the first 300 fans, and sparkle-and-hair stations, according to Allianz Life. Local listings noted that the event was free with registration and took place at Allianz Field in St. Paul, per Visit Saint Paul.
Hometown Sendoff
Fans showed up glittered, loud and ready to say thanks, and Diggins spent much of the afternoon speaking directly to young athletes who said she helped them push through obstacles. "She doesn't take the credit for herself, she gives it to everyone," a 12-year-old from Lakeville told CBS Minnesota. Other attendees praised Diggins for being just as candid about her life off the race course as she was fierce on it.
A Record-Making Career
Diggins closed out her competitive career at the Stifel Lake Placid Finals in March, racing one last time after a run that included Olympic hardware and world titles, a finish chronicled by national outlets. U.S. Ski & Snowboard lists her among the most decorated Americans in cross-country skiing, citing roughly 33 individual World Cup victories, about 90 World Cup podiums, and multiple overall World Cup crowns, while race reports highlighted the emotional farewell in Lake Placid.
What’s Next
Diggins told local reporters she plans to keep a busy schedule off the snow, with more public speaking and continued advocacy for eating-disorder awareness and climate issues as she steps away from full-time racing. That work, including her treatment at the Emily Program and her public efforts with climate groups, has been documented in profile pieces and interviews, as reported by TIME and CBS Minnesota.
Organizers described Sunday’s celebration as a family-friendly thank you to Diggins’ Minnesota fan base and said it included event merchandise and a Jessie Diggins x Larissa Loden jewelry collaboration, according to Allianz Life.
