U.S. cross-country skier Jessie Diggins won bronze in the women’s 10-kilometre interval-start freestyle at the Winter Olympics on Thursday, then collapsed beyond the finish line as she dealt with rib pain that has affected her early races at the Games, according to televised footage and event coverage.
Jessie Diggins bronze adds to US cross-country medal tally
Diggins placed third in 23:38.9 at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in northern Italy. Sweden’s Frida Karlsson won gold in 22:49.2, with fellow Swede Ebba Andersson second, 46.6 seconds back. Norway’s Astrid Øyre Slind finished fourth, just behind Diggins.
Swedish one-two as conditions test the field
Thursday’s race unfolded in warmer conditions that prompted officials to salt the course to help keep the snow firm, according to a Reuters report. The same report said Diggins has been managing bruised ribs after a fall in the women’s skiathlon earlier in the Olympics.
More races still ahead for Diggins
Diggins, a multiple-time Olympic medalist, remains scheduled for additional cross-country events later in the Games, including the women’s relay. Her team has not issued an updated medical timeline beyond acknowledging she has been competing while in pain.