Jessica Diggins represented the US in the first cross-country skiing event of the Olympic Winter Games in Tesero, starting as the top seed due to her dominance in the overall World Cup in her final competitive season. However, during the Skiathlon, which consisted of a ten-kilometer classic segment followed by a ten-kilometer skate segment on a particularly tough course, she finished in eighth place, 2:21 minutes behind gold medalist Frida Karlsson from Sweden. This performance was unexpected given her prior successes and raised questions about the demanding conditions of the competition.

After crossing the finish line, Diggins collapsed on the ground, remaining down for several minutes, highlighting the physical toll the race took on her. The challenging terrain of the course, with its many hills and steep climbs, contributed to her exhaustion and affected her overall performance. In contrast, the US team received a mixed reception during the Olympic opening ceremony in Milan, where they faced booing from the crowd which Diggins's finish did not reflect as she was not jeered by the audience.

Diggins expressed that her experience is deeply influenced by fears associated with events occurring in her homeland, attributing a greater significance to each race she competes in. This sentiment reflects the pressures and emotional stakes athletes may face during international competitions, especially in light of political and social issues back home. As she continues her career, her performance in these Olympic Games will be watched closely, not just for athletic achievement but also for personal insight on balancing sports with current events.