The World Cup leader had a tough start to the World Championships in Trondheim and is now uncertain about the rest of the competition.

“The plan depends on how I feel,” says Jessie Diggins, who currently leads the overall World Cup standings, won the Tour de Ski, and—on paper—is a medal contender in nearly every event at the World Championships in Trondheim.

However, the 33-year-old American has struggled at the start of the championships in Trondheim. In Thursday’s World Championships sprint, she was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Commentators questioned what had happened and whether she was in form.

“I had an extremely tough day. I couldn’t get the speed I needed on my skis, so something is completely wrong,” Diggins told Expressen.

Training Disruptions

Her preparation for the event has also been far from ideal. At the beginning of the season, Diggins suffered a heel injury that has caused her significant pain, especially in classic skiing. She has customized her ski boots to reduce the discomfort.

“I have learned an incredible amount about heel spurs this winter. I knew nothing about them before, but it seems like the whole world has them, and it’s awful. I feel great support and sympathy for what is apparently a very common injury,” Diggins said.

The injury has limited her ability to compete in classic skiing. Since the Tour de Ski, Diggins has participated in just one classic race— in Falun, about a week and a half ago.

“The injury is improving, but it has completely changed my preparation for the World Championships. I’ve only done one classic race since the Tour de Ski, and it was a great test. But normally, I would have done much more classic skiing in training and camps before a major event. So, I’ve been forced to adapt,” she explained.

Also Read: Jessie Diggins eyes Trondheim World Champs: “I want to give it everything”

World Championship in Jeopardy

Following her disappointing performance in the sprint, Diggins is uncertain about the rest of the World Championships.

“I hope to compete in the skiathlon on Sunday. But I’ll have to assess how I feel. The races in Falun were a good stress test for my foot, so I hope it will continue to hold up,” she said.

However, it is certain that the 33-year-old will not compete in all events at the World Championships in Trondheim.

“I won’t do everything. I had hoped to, but I will have to skip at least one race,” Diggins admitted.

“The plan depends on how my body feels and how my foot holds up.”

See below the complete program for the World Championships in Trondheim, Norway.

FACTS 2025 Nordic World Ski Championships

• When: Wednesday, February 26, to Sunday, March 9, 2025
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Trondheim, Norway
• What: FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2025

Wednesday, February 26 (More information HERE)

• 13:30 CET: Qualification, 7.5km Classic, Women
• 15:30 CET: Qualification, 7.5km Classic, Men

Thursday, February 27 (More information HERE)

• 10:00 CET: Sprint Qualification Freestyle, Women
• 10:52 CET: Sprint Qualification Freestyle, Men
• 12:30 CET: Sprint Finals Freestyle, Women
• 12:30 CET: Sprint Finals Freestyle, Men

Saturday, March 1 (More information HERE)

• 14:00 CET: 20km Skiathlon Classic/Freestyle, Men

Sunday, March 2 (More information HERE)

• 14:00 CET: 20km Skiathlon Classic/Freestyle, Women

Tuesday, March 4 (More information HERE)

• 13:00 CET: 10km Interval Start Classic, Men
• 15:30 CET: 10km Interval Start Classic – Women

Wednesday, March 5 (More information HERE)

• 11:00 CET: Team Sprint Qualification Classic, Women
• 11:00 CET: Team Sprint Qualification Classic, Men
• 14:30 CET: Team Sprint Classic, Women
• 14:30 CET: Team Sprint Classic, Men

Thursday, March 6 (More information HERE)

• 12:30 CET: 4×7.5km Relay Classic/Freestyle, Men

Friday, March 7 (More information HERE)

• 14:00 CET: 4×7.5km Relay Classic/Freestyle, Women

Saturday, March 8 (More information HERE)

• 11:30 CET: 50km Mass Start Freestyle, Men

Sunday, March 9 (More information HERE)

• 11:30 CET: 50km Mass Start Freestyle, Women

PROGRAM (traditional cross-country skiing program) 

Also Read: Cross-country skiing program for the Trondheim World Championships

The Nordic World Ski Championships is taking place in Trondheim, Norway, from February 26 to March 9, 2025. It promises to be the largest sporting event in Norway in 15 years, with more than 300.000 spectators expected to attend. 

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.