Jessie Diggins Retires After 12th-Place Final Race

Jessie Diggins, the most decorated cross-country skier in United States history, concluded her 15-year professional career on Sunday with a 12th-place finish in the women's 20-kilometer mass start freestyle at the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid, New York.

The 34-year-old from Afton, Minnesota, who began skiing at age 3, entered the race already assured of her fourth overall World Cup Crystal Globe and second consecutive distance title, clinched earlier in the weekend with a fifth-place result in the 10-kilometer classic. Competing before a home crowd of more than 35,000 fans over the event, many wearing glitter on their cheeks in homage to her signature look, Diggins paused at the start line to shout "Thank you!" to the spectators. She blew kisses and soaked in the applause before pushing off for her final start.

Diggins remained competitive throughout the demanding course, holding fifth place entering the last lap amid rainy, soft snow conditions. A fall on a fast downhill descent in the closing kilometer dashed hopes of a podium finish, but she quickly recovered and crossed the line 16.5 seconds behind winner Jonna Sundling of Sweden, who completed the race in 48 minutes,...