Jessie Diggins Opens Up About Her Battle with Bulimia

Jessie Diggins Opens Up About Her Battle with Bulimia

Originally published in SVT Sport on September 18, 2023

Jessie Diggins, the standout American cross-country skier, has candidly shared her recent struggles with a relapse into bulimia through a heartfelt social media post. Known for her historic victory as the first American to claim an individual World Championship gold in the 10 km freestyle event in Planica last year, Diggins has been a beacon of hope and resilience for many.

Despite spending over a decade in recovery, she found herself grappling with challenges that transcended food and training; the pressure she places on herself proved to be a substantial hurdle. Recognizing the importance of support, Diggins took immediate action to seek help. She passionately urges anyone facing similar challenges to reach out for assistance, emphasizing that there is no shame in doing so.

As the cross-country skiing World Cup season approaches, set to kick off on November 24 in Ruka, Finland, Diggins’ openness not only sheds light on her journey but also highlights the importance of mental health in the pursuit of athletic excellence.