Jessie Diggins named US athlete of the year

U.S. Ski & Snowboard honored Jessie Diggins along with Alpine athlete Ryan Cochran-Siegleas as athletes of the year. Both win the prestigious Beck International Award – the highest athlete recognition for the organization thanks to their outstanding achievements throughout the past year. 

Ever since the historic moment at the Olympic Winter Games in PyoengChang in 2018, when Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall became the first individual Cross-Country medalist for America since 1976, Jessie has kept her postition among the worlds top class Cross-Country athletes, claiming one podium spot after the other as well as achieving the victory of the Overall World Cup standings in 2021. 

At the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing 2022, Jessie Diggins wrote U.S. history again with her bronze medal in the Sprint. It was the first individual Olympic medal for a U.S. woman in Cross-Country skiing.

The Beck International Award dates back to 1931, honoring some of the greatest champions in ski and snowboard sport.  It was the fourth time Diggins has won the Beck International Award (2016, 2018, 2021, 2022) and the first for Cochran-Siegle. Diggins was also named Cross Country Athlete of the Year, for the fifth time, with Cochran-Siegle taking Alpine Athlete of the Year honors.

“Ryan and Jessie truly distinguished themselves this season, both with athletic results and the inspiration they provided to teammates and to the next generation of athletes,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. “They stand amongst a strong field of athletes who each have their own story of success this past season.”

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