Diggins wasn’t frightened concerning the {hardware}. While the Afton native appreciated the Globes and the historical past that goes with them, that wasn’t her most prized prize on the ultimate day of her season. After ending the schedule together with her win in Falun, Sweden, Diggins mentioned her actual reward was getting by way of her most tough interval in her World Cup profession.
Last fall, Diggins frightened {that a} relapse of her consuming dysfunction would disrupt her racing schedule. She had her greatest season so far on the prime stage of cross-country snowboarding. Diggins scored a career-high 2,746 factors, holding off Sweden’s Lynn Svarn for the general title and turning into the primary American to seize her World Cup general title twice.
Diggins’ victory in Sunday’s 20km mass begin freestyle gave her a 175-point lead over Svern, who had come inside 41 factors two days earlier. Diggins additionally took the second distance crown, ending 224 factors forward of Germany’s Victoria Karl.
“My solely objective was to get pleasure from it to the fullest. [Sunday]” Diggins instructed reporters in Falun.
“I’m actually pleased with the way in which this season ended, however greater than that, I’m pleased with the group that was there for me. It’s been a troublesome yr, and that is why it is so nice that we bought by way of it collectively. It’s particular.”
Diggins gained his first general title in 2021, becoming a member of 1982 champion Bill Koch as the one Americans to earn that honor. She led the standings all through this season and made her historical past within the course of.
Her six wins and 12 podiums in particular person occasions set a U.S. single-season report. Diggins gained his second Tour de Ski title in January and now has 21 World Cup wins and 60 top-three finishes.
In September, Diggins introduced that her consuming dysfunction had relapsed after 12 years of restoration. She went public with the information in hopes of serving to folks affected by psychological well being points, nevertheless it has put her in an uncomfortable highlight at instances, she admitted on Sunday.
“I’ve felt a variety of stress to point out that I’m okay,” she mentioned. “I put stress on myself to maintain working exhausting to be okay. Sometimes when your mind will get confused and you’re feeling like the entire world is watching you work it out, it isn’t straightforward. No, I simply do my greatest every single day.” ”
She held a 75-point lead over Swarn heading into Sunday’s closing. Diggins saved her temper mild by making use of gold glitter to her personal cheeks in addition to the cheeks of a number of contestants.
Armed with speedy skis, she beat Norway’s Heidi Wen by 0.9 seconds and raced to the end line in 51 minutes, 53 seconds. Svern by no means tried and she or he completed twenty sixth.
After the race, Diggins led a gathering of Americans to congratulate his teammates for lifting him up all through the season. She was grateful to be wholesome sufficient to compete in her Lopetto Cup final month at Theodore Worth Park, which she referred to as the spotlight of her personal profession. She mentioned the 2 crystal globes have been “actually cool,” however felt like an added bonus.
“I could not have carried out this alone. Many folks helped me by way of tough instances,” Diggins mentioned. I believe that is why it was so particular that we have been capable of make it by way of the season. That was an actual victory. ”
The Star Tribune didn’t ship the writer of this text to the occasion. This is written utilizing broadcasts, interviews, and different supplies.