Retired Olympic superstar Jessie Diggins wins her first-ever 100 mile trail race

Gold medal-winning Olympian and Minnesotan Jessie Diggins crosses the finish line during the Superior 100 Mile Trail Race Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 at Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen, Minn. Erica Dischino/for MPR News hide caption

What does the greatest American cross country skier of all time do for a second act? Jessie Diggins retired from skiing earlier this winter on top of her sport. Now at the ripe age of 35, she's charting a new path.

Last weekend it was 100 miles long, and Diggins ran it faster than any other woman.

She competed in the 100-mile Superior Fall Trail Race, which is run on a remote trail along the rugged shore of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota.

"Listen, Jesse Diggins is a legend, and people in America should know," said Micah Melander, who drove up from the Twin Cities to support another runner, but was pumped to learn that Diggins was in the race. "We want Jesse Diggins in trail running. So also, I'm so excited that she's doing this."

Racers begin the Superior 100 Mile Trail Race at Gooseberry Falls State Park near Two Harbors, Minn. The about 100-mile race follows the Superior Hiking Trail ending in Lutsen. Erica Dischino/for MPR News hide caption

Diggins corsses a footbridge while competing in the race. Erica Dischino/for MPR News hide caption

As a skier, Diggins was renowned for her ability to push her body to its limits, to descend deep into what she calls the "pain cave."