Jessie Diggins Interview

Jessie Diggins is the Podiumwear Brand Ambassador for our new line of custom women's apparel for nordic skiing

Q) How did you first get involved in nordic skiing and ski racing?

Jessie: 
My parents both ski and we are a really active family, so before I could even walk I was riding around the ski trails in my Dad's backpack! When I was old enough my parents got me my own skis and we would go to the Willow River Ski Club, a branch of the MYSL, every weekend. I loved playing games on the snow with my friends and I loved the sledding and hot chocolate afterwards, so skiing was always a really fun social thing for me.

When I joined the Stillwater High School ski team in 7th grade, I realized that although I didn't like getting nervous beforehand, I did enjoy racing and I certainly loved coming to practice every day. I got more and more involved in summer training groups and soon I was skiing full time, and making international trips and Junior Nationals.

Q) Was nordic skiing your first sport or were there other sports you did seriously beforehand?

Jessie:
I used to do a ton of different sports! I did soccer, dance, swimming, and track, and I loved each of them. Within each sport, I remember trying multiple things; different positions in soccer, almost every distance plus diving in swimming, and in track I tried out pole vault, triple jump, 300 meter hurdles, 100 meter hurdles, the mile, the 800, and my favorites: the 4x400 relay and the 4x800 relay.

Q) When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Jessie:
After deciding that being either a ballerina or a smoke jumper weren't going to work out that well, I actually really did want to be a professional athlete. I remember filling out the survey quiz from the counselors in 7th grade and getting annoyed because "professional athlete" wasn't listed in occupations. I stubbornly filled it out with athlete in mind and the answers pointed me to a job in construction - for a love of hard work and being outside.

Q) Did you have any role models growing up- men or women? Who were they?

Jessie:
I loved the USST athletes, and I still have posters of Kikkan, Andy, Freeman and Liz up on my wall. I also really admired Becky Scott, the first North American Woman to get an Olympic Medal. And of course Chandra Crawford was, and is today, super inspiring.

Q) What are some activities you like to do apart from skiing?

Jessie:
I love to read, hang out with friends, and learn to play a little pink guitar that I travel around with. I really enjoy cliff jumping into Lake Superior, and camping or canoeing with my family.

Q) Describe the MN culture of skiing and what you like about it.

Jessie:
I love how many people get outside and active in Minnesota, and the ski culture is great. Within 30 minutes of my house are at least 3 different trail systems, and whenever I go out training I'll see families out enjoying the tracks, people training for the Birkie, or high school skiers out practicing.

Q) How do you feel about supporting a product line for girls and women?

Jessie:
I feel AWESOME about supporting a line of ski clothes for girls! I think its fun because I get to give input on what would make my ideal ski suit and training jacket, and then see it become available to everyone! It will be great to have a suit and jacket made specifically for women and girls, with high quality material for racing and training as well as enjoying the snow. I think all women and girls should stay active in sports for life, whether as a competitive athlete, coach, or recreational skier.

Q) How do you feel about supporting a company that produces ski apparel in your home state?

Jessie:
I think it's great that Podiumwear is made in the US and specifically in Minnesota. I have a lot of MN and local pride in my community and ski culture, and to be representing a line made in my home state feels really good!

Q) What do you especially like about the new Podiumwear products for women?

Jessie:
I like that they are cut to fit athletic, strong women and that the fabric is of the highest quality, made to be perfect for hours and hours of skiing!

Q) What is your personal style? What would you like to see more of in custom apparel designs/colors/etc. - especially for women?

Jessie:
I love anything bright, and I love clothing that fits comfortably. I also like slightly whimsical designs that are eye-catching. I would like to see more custom apparel designs for women that are cool-looking but extremely functional and cut to fit an athletic woman, not cut to fit a mannequin.

Q) What is it like for you being on the world stage?

Jessie:
It's an exciting whirlwind, racing on the World Cup all season. We are a little bit like one big traveling circus, with pop up tents and crowds that go from one country to the next all winter! There are definitely times when I get homesick and miss my family and the US, but I love my job of representing the US on the world stage and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Q) Describe what it means to you to be a successful woman in nordic skiing?

Jessie:
I think that to be a successful woman in skiing, you not only achieve your goals but enjoy the process, have fun with training, racing and traveling the whole time, and then find a way to give back and inspire others.

Q) What would you like to say to young girls out there thinking about getting into nordic skiing/racing?

Jessie:
I'd say....DO IT! Not to sound like a Nike ad, but really, just do it. If you enjoy getting outside with friends, skiing beautiful trails, challenging yourself and creating a strong body that can do anything, get out and ski! The results will come, but you have to love the sport first and foremost.

Q) What music are you listening to right now?

Jessie:
When I'm getting psyched up for a workout or in the gym, something along the lines of Avicii is great, but when I'm relaxing, Good Old War is perfect.

Q) What book are you currently reading?

Jessie:
Our whole women's team is reading The Boys In The Boat right now. I just started it!

Q) What is your favorite food? (This is your opportunity to talk about raspberries).

Jessie:
Haha...I really do love raspberries, not just because they are so delicious but they always bring me great memories of picking them with my family and cousins and having a great time.

Q) What is your favorite animal?

Jessie:
My power animal is a sparkle chipmunk. Not just a regular chippy, a SPARKLY one. Because I love to put glitter on my face before every race and have fun, and I have tons of energy and I'm always scampering around doing everything I possibly can.

Q) What is your favorite race venue and/or type of course?

Jessie:
Oh man, I have a lot of courses I love! I really have a thing for the silver course at Giant's Ridge, because it was so fun to race the skate race at State there. But Oslo, Norway is super fun because of the crazy 50,000 fans that camp along the course in tents for days.

Q) How do you get yourself psyched up before a race?

Jessie:
I put on glitter! Sometimes I dance around, too.

Q) What do you do to relax?

Jessie:
I love to read a good book, one with a lot of action and mystery that sucks me into it. You know, like Harry Potter.