U.S. Cross Country Skier Jessie Diggins Wins 10km Women’s Race at 2023 World Championships in Planica, Slovenia

U.S. cross-country skier came an incredible first at today’s 10km (6.25 miles) race in Planica, Slovenia, crowning herself the first individual American cross-country World Champion. Jessie went into the lead early in the race after a strong start and managed to hold on until the finish after a tough climbing section. Sweden’s Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson were in hot pursuit but could not catch the American athlete.

Jessie Diggins finished the 10km race in 23:40:08 minutes, narrowly beating Sweden’s Frida Karlsson by 14 seconds to the Gold medal. Silver and Bronze went to Sweden, third-placed Ebba Andersson just six seconds behind her teammate. It was an incredibly close finish, and the Swedes have been having a strong season. Ebba and Frida won Gold and Silver, respectively, in the 7.5km + 7.5km Skiathlon race on Saturday, which combines classic and skating techniques over a total of 9.375 miles.

Jessie’s teammate Rosie Brennan came 15th, Sophia Laukli 25th, and Julia Kern 34th in a field of 113 starters from all over the world. 

The 31-year-old seems unstoppable right now. She has won two World Cups this season and podiumed six times individually on the back of two Olympic medals in Beijing in the 30km freestyle race and individual sprint event.

Jessie and her teammate Julia Kern also won Bronze in the Team Sprint Final on Sunday, February 26, 2023, after qualifying in first place the week before.