The international cross-country skiing community is facing a significant paradigm shift as a constellation of its most recognizable stars, who have graced the sport for over a decade, announce their retirements at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season. Among the most prominent figures stepping away from elite competition are American icon Jessie Diggins and Italian sprint specialist Federico Pellegrino, alongside a host of other decorated athletes from various nations. This mass exodus signals the end of an era, leaving a void in the World Cup circuit and prompting reflection on the sport’s evolving landscape and the legacies these athletes have forged.
The departures are not isolated incidents but rather a coordinated wave, with athletes from Canada, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany, and the United States all signaling their exits. This broad representation underscores the widespread impact of these retirements across the global cross-country skiing fraternity.
Jessie Diggins: A Trailblazer for American Skiing
American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins, a vibrant and influential figure, concluded her illustrious career on March 22nd. Her final World Cup victory, secured on home soil in the United States, was characteristically dramatic, marked by her signature exuberant style, complete with glitter and a celebratory collapse at the finish line. This triumphant farewell also marked her fourth overall World Cup title, cementing her status as one of the sport’s most dominant forces.
Diggins’ impact extends far beyond her impressive medal count. She has been instrumental in elevating the profile of cross-country skiing in the United States, transforming it from a sport with limited recognition to one capable of producing multiple Olympic medalists. As Norwegian skier Astrid Øyre Slind noted during the World Cup finals in Lake Placid, "The USA has gone from being a cross-country nation nobody thought about, to taking multiple medals in the Olympics with several different athletes. Everything is in place there now, much thanks to her."
Over her 15-year career at the pinnacle of the sport, Diggins competed in 385 World Cup races, achieving podium finishes in 90 of them and securing 33 victories. Her remarkable achievements include two Tour de Ski titles and four overall World Cup crystal globes. Furthermore, she amassed an impressive seven World Championship medals, including two gold, across five championships (2013, 2015, 2017, 2023, and 2025). Her Olympic record boasts four medals from three Games (2018, 2022, and 2026). Diggins’ departure undoubtedly leaves a significant void, not only in terms of athletic performance but also as a charismatic ambassador for the sport.
Krista Pärmäkoski: A Finnish Endurance Icon
Finnish skier Krista Pärmäkoski, a super-veteran of the sport, is also hanging up her skis. With nearly 20 years of elite competition under her belt, Pärmäkoski has been a consistent presence on the international circuit. Her career is adorned with five Olympic medals and seven World Championship medals, earned across nine major championships. While she never secured an individual gold medal at the senior level, her consistent podium finishes underscore her enduring strength and determination.
Since her World Cup debut in 2008, Pärmäkoski has participated in 360 races, reaching the podium 49 times and achieving six victories. Her career has also been marked by significant personal milestones and challenges, including navigating a divorce after a ten-year marriage. In a testament to her enduring appeal, she was also recognized as the "hottest single cross-country skier" last autumn, a lighthearted nod to her continued relevance and popularity.
Nadine Fähndrich: Swiss Sprint Powerhouse
Swiss sprinter Nadine Fähndrich is another prominent athlete concluding her World Cup career. Fähndrich made her World Cup debut in December 2015 and has since competed in over 200 races. She has achieved 27 podium finishes, including seven victories, the most recent being a sprint win in Tallinn in March of the previous year.
Fähndrich has participated in three Olympic Games (2018, 2022, and 2026) and five World Championships (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025). Her Olympic achievements include a silver medal in the team sprint at the recent Winter Games in Milan/Cortina. Additionally, she has secured three World Championship medals: bronze in the sprint and team sprint in Trondheim in 2025, and silver in the team sprint in Oberstdorf in 2021. Her consistent performances, particularly in sprint disciplines, have made her a formidable competitor.
Federico Pellegrino: The Italian Sprint Maestro
Italian speedster Federico Pellegrino, a World Cup regular since 2010, is also retiring from the elite circuit at the age of 35. For years, Pellegrino has been a notable challenger to the dominance of Russian, Swedish, and Finnish skiers, and occasionally, Norwegian stars. His presence in sprint events has consistently delivered thrilling races.
Last year, Pellegrino clinched a silver medal in the World Championship sprint in Trondheim, becoming the oldest medalist in championship history at 34. At the recent Olympic Games on home ice, he contributed to Italy’s bronze medal in the relay, further extending his impressive record. Before fully retiring, Pellegrino is scheduled for a final showdown with Norwegian rival Johannes Høsflot Klæbo in the Bysprinten in Mosjøen, Norway, on April 25th, a fitting conclusion to a storied rivalry.
Richard Jouve: Klæbo’s French Rival Steps Down
French skier Richard Jouve, a consistent rival to Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and the 2022 Sprint World Cup overall winner, is also retiring after 12 years on the international scene. The 31-year-old cited a loss of motivation and the daily training becoming a mental challenge as reasons for his decision.
"I have experienced great moments, strong emotions, and success, but also doubt and difficult periods. I have always given my all and wholeheartedly committed to delivering my best, time and time again," Jouve stated. "Now, this joy is gone. Although the passion for the sport is still there, the daily training has become a mental challenge."
Throughout his 13-year career, Jouve participated in three Olympic Games, earning two bronze medals: in the team sprint in Pyeongchang in 2018 and in the relay in Beijing in 2022. He also competed in six World Championships, securing two bronze medals in team events. Jouve’s World Cup career includes 176 races, 25 podiums, and five victories, marking him as a significant figure in French cross-country skiing.
Norwegian Departures: Tonseth, Stenseth, and Moseby
The wave of retirements also includes several prominent Norwegian athletes. Former national team skier Didrik Tønseth, 34, announced his retirement at the end of January, revealing that he is transitioning to a new sport. Tønseth, known for his candid critiques, notably expressed dissatisfaction with the national team’s selection criteria. His career is highlighted by two World Championship golds and an Olympic relay gold in Pyeongchang in 2018, alongside six World Cup victories.
Ane Appelkvist Stenseth, 31, is also concluding her elite career after ten years of dedicated pursuit. Debuting in the World Cup in 2017, she competed in one World Championship and achieved her best World Cup result as a fourth place. Stenseth is set to embark on a new chapter, marrying Jørgen Ulvang, the team manager for Team Engcon, fulfilling a long-held dream of starting a family.
Perhaps the most unexpected departure is that of Håvard Moseby, 26. Once considered one of Norway’s brightest talents, Moseby has been plagued by misfortune and injuries throughout his career. Despite these challenges, he achieved significant success at the junior and U23 levels, including multiple World Championship medals. His World Cup career, though shorter than some, saw him achieve podium finishes and numerous top-10 results, including a seventh-place finish in the Holmenkollen 50km just two weeks prior to his announcement.
Broader Implications and Analysis
The mass retirement of these seasoned athletes raises several points for consideration within the sport. Firstly, it highlights the demanding nature of elite cross-country skiing, which requires immense dedication and sacrifice over many years. The cumulative toll of rigorous training, frequent travel, and the pressure to perform can lead to burnout and a desire for new life experiences.
Secondly, the retirements signify a generational shift. Diggins, Pellegrino, Pärmäkoski, and others have been the faces of the sport for a considerable period. Their departures create opportunities for emerging talents to step into the spotlight and potentially reshape the competitive landscape. The void left by these established stars will undoubtedly be felt in terms of spectator interest and sponsorship appeal, necessitating proactive efforts from international skiing federations to promote new stars and maintain the sport’s momentum.
The varying reasons for retirement – from seeking new challenges and family life to loss of motivation and the physical toll of the sport – offer a nuanced perspective on the athletes’ journeys. For some, like Tønseth, the transition involves a complete change of discipline, while for others, like Stenseth, it marks a move towards personal life milestones.
The Future of International Cross-Country Skiing
As the 2025-2026 season draws to a close, the cross-country skiing world bids farewell to a generation of exceptional athletes. Their contributions have been immense, shaping the sport and inspiring countless individuals. While their presence on the racecourse will be deeply missed, their legacies will undoubtedly endure, serving as a benchmark for future generations. The challenge now lies with the sport’s governing bodies and national federations to nurture the next wave of talent and ensure that the excitement and appeal of cross-country skiing continue to thrive in the post-Diggins, post-Pellegrino era. The transition will undoubtedly be closely watched as new rivalries emerge and new champions are crowned.
List of Retiring Athletes (2025-2026 Season)
Canada
- Katherine Weaver (29)
- Julian Smith (30)
Finland
- Krista Pärmäkoski (35)
- Katri Lylynpää (32)
- Perttu Hyvärinen (34)
- Markus Vuorela (29)
France
- Richard Jouve (31)
- Clément Parisse (32)
- Julien Arnaud (24)
Italy
- Federico Pellegrino (35)
- Dietmar Noeckler (37)
- Francesca Franchi (28)
Norway
- Ane Appelkvist Stenseth (31)
- Didrik Tønseth (34)
- Håvard Moseby (26)
Poland
- Maciej Staręga (36)
Slovenia
- Eva Urevc (30)
Switzerland
- Nadine Fähndrich (30)
- Désirée Steiner (27)
- Candide Pralong (35)
- Jason Rüesch (31)
Sweden
- Ingrid Hallquist (29)
- Jenny Solin (29)
- Karl-Johan Westberg (33)
Czech Republic
- Adam Fellner (32)
- Ondřej Cherney
Germany
- Lucas Bögl (34)
USA
- Jessie Diggins (34)
