Jessie Diggins Women's Nordic Ski Line

I was just starting my Nordic skiing career when I first saw Jessie Diggins ski race.  Other racers and spectators alike were awestruck as she skied around the course, working harder and pushing a pace impossible to match.  That day, I knew that her innate athletic ability and positive attitude would set her up for inevitable success as a Nordic ski racer.  Sure enough, Jessie Diggins has become a household name on the professional Nordic skiing circuit, serving also as an inspiration to me and skiers worldwide.

Jessie hails from the Twin Cities, but the world is her stage and she certainly has taken a commanding lead as an ambassador for Nordic skiing in the Midwest.  Jessie - with U.S. Ski Team (USST) teammate Kikkan Randall - was crowned a World Champion in a historic team skate sprint in Val di Fiemme, Italy in 2013.  She remains a vital member of the USST and Stratton Mountain T2 Elite squad, and recently represented the United States in the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games.  We at Podiumwear are proud to have Jessie working with us on the Jessie Diggins Women's Nordic Ski line.  Currently the line includes the Women’s Gold Race Suit (2-piece), Women’s Gold Jacket, and Women's Gold Warm Up Pants.

Recently, Jessie made a trip back to the Twin Cities after her 2013/14 race season for a little rest and relaxation.  We were happy to host her on a few occasions at the Podiumwear headquarters to gather her input and ideas about the Women’s Gold line design, and of course, to hear stories about her Olympic debut in Sochi, Russia.  I was able to chat with Jessie about why she thought women’s athletic apparel - specifically designed for female Nordic skiers - is essential.  Here are some of her thoughts and stories.

Unique features of the Podiumwear Gold Race Suit

Below-normal temperatures endured by Nordic skiers in everyday training and racing situations demonstrate the importance of wearing apparel that protects from extreme cold and windy conditions.  Jessie praises Podiumwear’s innovative Gold Race Suit construction (both the 31-panel Women’s and the 29-panel Unisex styles).  

The placement of soft, slightly thicker, and more velcro-resistant fabric "on the back of the suit, on the shins," and areas susceptible to rubbing by poles or boots "give the suit a much longer life."  Fabric laden with Carbon Yarn is strategically set in the Gold Race Suit pattern to cover major muscle groups, aiding in heat regulation, moisture transfer, and helping to prevent lactic acid build-up.  

The Gold Suit is cut to "accommodate a full range of motion in the shoulders when using poles."  During training sessions and races, Jessie shares that she wants "a fit and fabric that isn't chafing or pulling the wrong way, which is exactly what Podiumwear has achieved with the design of the Gold Race Suit!"  Fabrics are sourced from the best mills around the world and Jessie agrees. “You can't find it anywhere else!”  

…and what about the Podiumwear Gold Women’s Race Suit

"When I think about a really great race suit for women, I want something that fits so well I don't even notice it while I'm racing.  Podiumwear has created a custom fit that is comfortable for women, stays in place without constricting movements, and is a suit that I can count on every race day!"

The Making of the Podiumwear Jessie Diggins Line

Jessie plays an essential role in generating design and artwork ideas for the Podiumwear Women’s Gold Race Suit, both in-person at the Podiumwear office and by sharing stories with us while on the road.  "It's been extremely fun to work with the Podiumwear staff and see the Women’s Nordic line come to life!  I wanted a suit that matched the way I felt about skiing; it should be fun, high-energy and look good in motion."  Jessie’s insight is invaluable and has provided meaningful feedback to the Podiumwear design and product developing team.  Look for some stellar updates to the already superb Jessie Diggins Gold Race Suit fall of 2014!

Fashion Forward Nordic Skiers

In our conversation, Jessie reminisced about how she and her teammates would prepare for competition day.  While fashioning rocking ponytails and dressing in their finest race suits they would jokingly say to each other, "look good = feel good = race fast!"  "I totally think that's true!  If I like my suit I feel more confident, and that confidence gives me that extra little boost during training sessions or on race day."  Ultimately, function comes first, "but if you have the option to have a suit as functional AND fun as the Podiumwear Women’s Gold Race Suit, that's ideal!"

Jessie has started her training already for the 2015 season in Bend, OR.  Check out Jessie’s blog (http://jessiediggins.com/) and look for updates and photos of the Podiumwear Jessie Diggins Women’s line soon!