ST. PAUL, Minn. - Jessie Diggins is back in Minnesota for the first time since her incredible cross-country skiing gold Medal in the Winter Olympics, and she's determined to make a big impact while she's here.
The Minnesota House of Representatives welcomed her back with a standing ovation on Thursday, but Diggins was also at the Capitol to help bring a Nordic Ski World Championship to Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis.
The popular international event attracts tens of thousands of fans from around the world, but the US hasn't hosted one for more than 16 years.
"An average World Cup event might have around 30,000 people and I think we can do much better than that in the Twin Cities," Diggins said. "This is the biggest center of cross-country skiing in America and I think it would be really, really special, and it would be inspiring to everyone."
That's something a lot of young people already agree with. Dozens of young cross-country skiers showed up to meet Diggins in St Paul and many are hoping to see the day they can watch her race in the World Cup in person.
"I would want to go in the front seats," said Ingrid Nelson. "So that I could hug her once she's done."
There are a couple things going on in the coming days that you can take part in celebrating Jessie Diggins. On Saturday morning, Stillwater is hosting a parade for Diggins, and that afternoon she'll be at the Slumberland headquarters in Oakdale.