Jessie Diggins Fights Through Pain to Win Bronze at Milan Cortina Games

TESERO, Italy – American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins demonstrated incredible resilience and determination, securing a bronze medal in the women’s 10-kilometer interval start at the Winter Olympics on Thursday. The race was decisively won by Sweden’s Frida Karlsson, who claimed her second gold medal of the Games.

Diggins, 34, competing in what she has indicated may be her final season, pushed through significant pain stemming from an injury sustained earlier in the Games. She collapsed to the ground immediately after finishing the freestyle race, visibly expressing her discomfort, but adding another medal – bronze – to her impressive career collection which already includes gold and silver.

Karlsson Dominates, Sweden Takes Top Two Spots

Frida Karlsson clocked a winning time of 22 minutes and 49.2 seconds, leading a Swedish sweep of the podium. Ebba Andersson finished second, just 46.6 seconds behind Karlsson. Diggins finished 49.7 seconds off the pace, a remarkable achievement considering her physical condition.

Injury Challenges Diggins Throughout the Games

Diggins’ Olympic journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She suffered a fall in the opening Skiathlon race, resulting in bruised ribs. This injury clearly impacted her performance in the individual sprint, where she was eliminated in the heats. Despite the setback, she persevered, showcasing the spirit of a true champion.

“It’s been a tough couple of races,” Diggins said in a post-race interview (source to be added when available). “But I just wanted to leave everything out there. I’m proud to be able to contribute to Team USA and to finish on the podium.”

Jessie Diggins’ performance is a testament to her dedication and unwavering spirit. Her bronze medal adds another shining moment to her already illustrious career. The US cross-country skiing team continues to build momentum, and Diggins remains a key figure in its success.

For more information on the Winter Olympics, visit the official Olympic website.

You can also find more about Jessie Diggins’ career on her Team USA profile.