Mikaela Shiffrin and fellow athletes rallied around American cross-country skiing star Jessie Diggins as she added another chapter to her storied career at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. After nearly 15 years at the top of her sport, Diggins announced she will retire following the 2025-26 season.
She brought her Olympic journey to a triumphant close, seizing bronze in the women’s 10km freestyle with a time of 23:38.9, just behind Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson.
Mikaela Shiffrin Shows Support For Jessie Diggins
Shiffrin, who has three Olympic medals to her name, kicked off her fifth Olympic campaign in Milan on February 10 in the team combined event, where she, alongside Breezy Johnson, finished in 4th place overall. She shares a close friendship with Diggins, and the alpine skier previously congratulated her after she grabbed her third Tour de Ski title in January 2026.
In an Instagram post, Diggins reflected on her performance in Milan, sharing an emotional message:
“It took so much unconditional love and support from so many people to get me to that start line yesterday! 💖 Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! All the hugs and love meant the world to me. That was a hard earned race, and it belongs to so many people. 💕 Feeling grateful, joyful, exhausted and excited to keep giving my best for this team that I love so much!”
Shiffrin commented on the post, writing: “STAR 🌟”. Additionally, retired American middle-distance runner Emma Coburn commented: “What an incredible moment. All of your years of excellence and grit came together to show us one more time that you’re JESSIE FREAKING DIGGINS. So so tough!!”
23-year-old American cross-country skier Kendall Kramer also showed her support, writing: “We love you so very much, thank you for this message 😘😘,”
Diggins’ bronze in the 10km freestyle was all the more impressive given the adversity she faced. After bruising her ribs in an early crash during the women’s skiathlon on February 7, she battled through pain that hampered her breathing and double-poling in later races, including the classic sprint.
Shiffrin’s Next Scheduled Event
Shiffrin, meanwhile, is determined to bounce back after recording the fourth-slowest slalom time in the team combined event, even as her teammate Johnson blazed to the fastest downhill run.
The alpine skiing star is set to compete next in the women’s giant slalom on Sunday, February 15, as well as the slalom event on Wednesday, February 18. Both runs start at 4 a.m. ET on their respective dates.
