Diggins Collapse Index Becomes a Talking Point in Cross-Country Skiing

Diggins Collapse Index Becomes a Talking Point in Cross-Country Skiing

Originally published in NRK on December 30, 2024

Cross-country skiing: ‘Diggins Collapse Index’ Becomes a Talking Point

An anonymous Instagram account ranks cross-country skiers based on how dramatically they collapse after races. World champions like Jessie Diggins have noticed this intriguing trend, which brings a humorous twist to the intense sport of skiing.

After Jessie Diggins won her second stage of the Tour de Ski, viewers observed her familiar collapse in the finish area—a sight that may have even earned her points in this humorous ranking.

Diggins stated, "I find it funny, as they're clearly making fun of me. What I appreciate is that it’s about recognizing the effort all athletes put in, not just the winners."

The account dubbed "Diggins Collapse Index" features to capitalize on spectacular collapses in cross-country skiing, making it a talking point in the sport. Athletes like Jan Thomas Jenssen and Harald Østberg Amundsen also rank highly on this index due to their dramatic finish line collapses earlier this season.

The index has become a hot topic among skiers, with many sharing laughs about their ranking. Diggins remarks that while she may appear ridiculous after a race, it signifies her dedication and commitment.

How the Diggins Collapse Index Works

The index evaluates athletes based on their immediate post-race struggles, assigning points in categories like drama (the extent of the collapse), duration (time spent on the ground), help (the number of people assisting), and bonus points for incidents like vomiting.