Jessie Diggins and the rest of the U.S. national cross-country ski team will be wearing the U.S. Army logo on their race suits. Not everyone thinks that’s a good idea.

While Russian and Belarusian athletes remain banned from international skiing because of their military connections, the Americans are entering a partnership with their own army.

This week, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Federation announced that Jessie Diggins and her teammates will compete next season with the U.S. Army logo on their suits.

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard today announced the U.S. Army as the official armed forces partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, honoring the 10th Mountain Division’s distinguished legacy, which led to the creation of America’s modern ski and snowboard industry. It is the first armed forces partnership for U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” the association stated in a press release.

The partnership is meant to honor the historical role during World War II and the establishment of a modern ski and snowboard culture in the United States, according to the statement.

A problematic connection

The move has sparked reactions within and outside the ski community.

“I would like to know what Jessie Diggins really thinks about being associated with the American army,” said NRK commentator Jan Petter Saltvedt to Nettavisen.

“I think that starting to have military symbols on the official clothing gives completely the wrong associations. I think it’s a shame,” Saltvedt added.

Also Read: Little toe, big mindset – Diggins shrugs off minor injury on the road to the Olympics

Russian media have also taken notice of the American team’s announcement. It comes just as the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) decided to continue the ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing in the World Cup and, consequently, in the 2026 Olympics in Milan/Cortina.

The day after the decision, Russian officials announced they would appeal the continued suspension.

Also read – Russians furious after FIS decision: “We will use all available means”

The story continues below.

Double standards

The Russian newspaper Championat called the FIS decision hypocritical, noting that it banned athletes “from one specific country because of a hypothetical military connection.”

Read More: FIS says no to Russia

Saltvedt said he doesn’t buy the Russian argument but understands why the new U.S. partnership raises eyebrows.

“In general, I have to say that I wish sports would stay away from being associated with the military. Because the symbolic effect of that in these times is problematic anyway,” he said.

In recent months, the U.S. has been involved in several military operations, including bombings in Iran and ongoing attacks on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean.

Also read: Devastated as FIS upholds ban: “This isn’t sport, it’s politics”

Putin gets involved

President Vladimir Putin has now personally engaged in the matter. Russian frustration continues to grow, particularly over the ongoing exclusion.

“In several areas, we’ve hit a Scandinavian wall. We can and must blow it away,” he told the TV channel Match, adding—at least metaphorically—during a time when Russia is bombing nearly everything around it.

Read More: Klæbo’s comments spark outrage in Russia

The cross-country skiing World Cup starts in Ruka, Finland, on November 28. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina will take place from February 6 to 22.

Also Read
Cross-country skiing World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season
Program for cross-country skiing at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

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