Threshold, a feature-length documentary centered on Olympic champion, four-time Olympic medalist and the most successful American cross country skier in history, Jessie Diggins, premieres today, Feb. 23, on NBC’s Peacock. The film looks beyond the race course, sharing Diggins’ personal journey, including her experience with an eating disorder and how seeking professional support and embracing a healthier perspective on mental health reshaped both her career and her life.
Filmed by Torsten and Lars Brinkema and executive produced by Patrick Dempsey, the documentary offers an intimate look at Diggins’ previously untold journey. With unprecedented access throughout the 2023-24 World Cup season, Diggins opens up about her experiences, exploring vulnerability, stigma, recovery and pain, while shedding light on what it takes to remain human in a sport that continually pushes both body and mind beyond their limits.
“Eating disorders have so much stigma, shame and guilt attached to them, and they are often misunderstood by the general population,” said Diggins. “I wish I had known so much more about them and felt empowered to have more open conversations about my own struggles when I was 18 years old, as that would have helped me tremendously. I felt it was important to show my story so openly because without that, it’s hard to ask for change, and I wanted to help others feel less alone.”
Throughout the documentary, Diggins reflected on the professional support she received and how it helped guide her recovery and ultimately led her to compete at the highest level of the sport and continue her dominance as the #1 ranked cross country skier in the world.
“I hope it sparks conversations around mental health and eating disorders and removes the stigma so that these crucial conversations can happen,” said Diggins. “I hope that people who are struggling feel less alone and more empowered to ask for help and I hope that they truly feel hope for themselves and their own journey, as they might see parts of themselves reflected in my story.”
“Jessie is a remarkable athlete and more importantly, a remarkable person,” said Patrick Dempsey, executive producer of the film. “The journey that she is sharing is profoundly meaningful and resonant, not only for her but for the countless other people who have faced the same struggle. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this production and to share her story with all of you.”
For further information: https://www.brinkemabrothers.com/
Watch Threshold on NBC’s Peacock.
