Jessie Diggins

I think racing in general is really hard.

But then I knew it was just going to be hard to breathe and just a little extra pain on top of that.

So I just was mentally ready for it.

Jessie Dickens is the most celebrated cross-country skier in U.S.

history.

In a sport dominated by Scandinavians, she's already claimed three Olympic medals, including one gold.

At 34, she's announced she's quitting professional racing, but she told NPR she's eager for one last Olympic push.

Diggins faces unexpected pressure here.

She grew up near Minneapolis and posted on Instagram about the ICE raids and violence.

I want to make sure you know who I'm racing for when I get to the start line at the Olympics, Diggins said.

I'm racing for an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion.

I do not stand for hate or violence, Diggins added.

Brian Mann, NPR News, Milan.