Cross-country ski champion Jessie Diggins solidified her position at the top of the 2024/25 Tour de Ski with two stunning victories this past weekend at the historic venue of Toblach, Italy. After winning the freestyle sprint on December 28, Diggins demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill, claiming her first classic style World Cup win the following day.
Diggins, now 33 years old, faced intense competition from elite athletes, including four-time Olympic champion Therese Johaug. The mass start race, which covered 15 kilometers, had Diggins battling her way through the ranks, particularly as she approached the final lap. With leaders, including Astrid Oeyre Slind of Norway, pushing forward, the threat of losing contact loomed over Diggins until she made her decisive move.
With 400 meters left to go, she surged to the front of the pack, displaying superior finishing speed which has become her hallmark on the circuit. Diggins crossed the finish line with arms raised, celebrating her 24th World Cup victory and dropping to the snow, buoyed by elation and triumph. She finished the race with a time of 42:23.6 minutes, narrowly beating Finland’s Kerttu Niskanen by just 0.5 seconds and edging out Slind, who finished third.
The day prior, during the sprint race, Diggins expressed disbelief at her win, stating, "This was a huge surprise." This marked her first sprint victory since 2021, reflecting not only her physical prowess but also showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Her victory by 0.31 seconds against Finland’s Jasmi Joensuu reinstated her position as one of the sport’s preeminent women athletes. This year’s Tour de Ski has special significance for Diggins, having earned her first career podium at this very event years ago.
While Diggins celebrated her back-to-back victories, it was also evident the men’s race was heating up. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo of Norway, who dominated the men’s sprint, aimed to tie the record with his fourth Tour de Ski title. On this backdrop of fierce competition, the 2024/25 Tour de Ski is set against the backdrop of fierce rivalries, national pride, and the ambition among athletes to etch their names among legends.
Going forward, Jessie Diggins’ impressive performances have not only secured her as the current overall World Cup leader but also set the stage for what promises to be riveting subsequent stages of the Tour de Ski. Her combination of grit, determination, and strategic prowess provides not just personal milestones but also hope for the future of American skiing on the global stage.
This weekend’s events speak volumes about her capabilities and ambitions. With her eyes now firmly set on claiming her third Tour de Ski title, Diggins is poised to make history and spark inspiration for many aspiring athletes. Will she continue her dominant form? Time will tell as the races progress, and the tension builds within Toblach’s snow-covered tracks.