Competing in the Winter Olympics is never easy. But for cross-country ski star Jessie Diggins at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the path to glory was nothing short of a trial by fire… or snow.

The 34-year-old from Minnesota added a fourth Olympic medal to her collection in a grueling 10 km race. However, what followed was more concerning.

Pushing her body to its limit, Diggins collapsed in the snow with pain as soon as she crossed the finish line in Tesero, clutching her chest.

She crossed the finish line in 23 minutes and 38 seconds, and it was enough for her to secure a bronze medal. Teammate Haily Swirbul, who finished 39th, rushed to her compatriot and tried to soothe Diggins’ legs, which suffered severe cramping.

Then, with 111 competitors scattered across the course in Tesero, it became a waiting game for the 34-year-old American to confirm whether she would become the medalist at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. And it all felt worth it.

Sweden’s Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson came in first and second place, respectively. Diggins finished third, 49.7 seconds off the leader. Her run, though, became more significant with the fact that she entered the race nursing a rib injury suffered in a heavy crash during the skiathlon just days earlier. Her reaction after the race says it all:

“I was just insanely grateful to my entire team for getting me to that start line and then helping me at the finish line,” Diggins stated. “I knew it was probably going to be really tough to breathe and really painful.

“I just was focusing on doing the best that I could in every moment. To be honest, I had no idea what place I was in at the finish, and I really didn’t care. I was just focused on doing the best that I could do. I think I’m the most grateful, happiest bronze medalist in the history of the world.”

And the podium celebration was just as incredible.

The entire crowd in Tesero chanted “Jessie! Jessie!” as the American went on to hug her two Swedish rivals before basking in all the glory as she did 13 years ago.

In Val di Fiemme, Italy, the then-21-year-old had a defining career breakthrough. Diggins teamed with Kikkan Randall, and the duo blazed to a historic 2013 world championship gold medal in the team sprint. It marked a first-ever triumph for USA cross-country skiing at the marquee event.

She recently captured her third Tour de Ski title at the Milan-Cortina Olympic venue on January 4. Diggins also participated in the 20-kilometer women’s skiathlon and the individual sprint classic along with four others. However, coming to a full-circle moment, she also confirmed that she won’t be experiencing this thrill anymore.

Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will be Jessie Diggins’ final one

Before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Jessie Diggins had a surprise of her own. She confirmed her retirement from competitive racing at the conclusion of the season following the World Cup finals in Lake Placid this March.

“I want to share with you that this will be my final year of ski racing! It’s going to be hard to step away from this sport and team that I love so much, but it also feels right in my heart, and I’m so excited to open a new chapter in my life!,” she said, confirming through an Instagram post before the Games. “Skiing has given me more joy, challenge, courage and community than I could have ever imagined, which is why I want to take you all on this final year with me.

“To be able to close out this chapter of my life surrounded by family, friends, team and the incredible community and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way – that means everything to me.”

With a career where she spent around 15 seasons in the World Cup circuit, deciding to say goodbye wasn’t easy.

Four Olympic medals, seven World Championship medals, and other honors explain her stellar career well, making her one of the most decorated cross-country skiers in the United States. However, despite all the glory, she never forgot to stay humble.

The 34-year-old said, “But most of all, I’m grateful. Grateful for the support that’s led me through this life, the hugs, belief, and the opportunity to chase down crazy dreams with all of you alongside me. The thing about living and racing with your heart on your sleeve is that you get to feel so deeply and be so connected to so many people. Luckily, I’ll have a whole season to soak up all the love and say thank you!”

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to get to represent such amazing communities and ski fans on the world stage, and I’m so lucky to get to do this one last time. I’ll be giving this season everything I’ve got, right to the last finish line in New York at the Stifel Lake Placid Finals. Glitter up, ski fans! We’ve got a fun year ahead,” she added.

For Diggins, she accepted the eclipse of her career and wasn’t shy to embrace the final days:

“To get to finish it (her Olympic career) in Val di Fiemme at that venue with all of these people that I love so much, it’s special, and I’m very excited.”