Jessie Diggins got sick after 12 healthy years. In his opinion, there is room for improvement in sports circles.
It’s a miracle that the Olympic champion in skiing Jessie Diggins32, will compete this weekend in Ruka.
In the summer, after 12 healthy years, Diggins got sick again with an eating disorder. It led to deep waters.
– It was difficult, really difficult. I had mental health issues. I needed a lot of help from different parties, Diggins says now.
The profession of an elite athlete is brutal. The body is a tool, so careful consideration of training and eating is part of everyday life.
– In many professions, the work is done and we go home. For us, work is not separate from the rest of life. It’s strange. It is important to maintain a balance. If it’s not there, problems start to arise.
The story continues after the picture.
Jessie Diggins is a multiple honors medalist. PASI LEISMA
The American skier became ill with an eating disorder for the first time at the age of 18. Diggins left for work at his parents’ grocery store one morning, but stopped at a gas station to throw up his breakfast.
– I thought “oh shit, this is an eating disorder”. I could not deny what I had done. However, I denied how bad the situation was, the skier said in 2020.
Diggins tried to stop throwing up after one, but failed. At the worst of his illness, he threw up most of his daily meals.
The skier understood the seriousness of the situation when his grandfather died of lung cancer.
– I knew that I would die at some point if I continued in the same way. I realized that I can save myself. I don’t want my family to go through the same thing.
Swearing
Jessie Diggins rose from deep waters to compete in Finland. PASI LEISMA
Diggins told the US national team coaches about his difficulties this summer. The support was immediately huge.
– They immediately wanted to help and were understanding. They are getting training to understand how to support me. It was a really hard time, but I realized that I was lucky that I got help. Not everyone gets it.
Diggins didn’t want to talk about his fight publicly at first. However, the usually smiling skier has opened up his everyday life on Instagram with an exceptionally direct twist of words.
– My mother sent me this quote when I was having a hard time. “If the sea were always calm, we would never build a better boat.” Well, this summer I’ve been building a fucking warship, Diggins wrote this week.
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The skier’s openness has spawned a lot of support. According to Diggins, many national team skiers and even guardians have come to hug.
– It was close that I wouldn’t have told about it. I’m glad I did. The culture of sports must be changed. We have room for improvement in how mental health is treated and how people are supported.
Fighting
Diggins was successful in the sprint. PASI LEISMA
Diggins was seventh in the traditional sprint of the Ruka World Cup on Friday. It would be a good result even without the difficulties, because the trip in question is the most difficult of the entire competition calendar for the American skier.
– I am proud to be here. It was a big win for me. I had to fight a lot to get here.
– It is my choice to be here. I don’t have to, but I really want to. I came to Ruka because I love my team and my work.
Diggins wants to compete as much as possible this season, but doesn’t show off.
– I don’t set profit expectations. That would be brutal for me. Let’s go one day at a time.