In a dazzling display of skill and composure, Team USA’s Elizabeth Lemley and Jaelin Kauf delivered a 1-2 punch in the women’s moguls final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, on February 11. The crowd at Livigno Aerials and Moguls Park witnessed history as the young Lemley, just 20 years old and competing in her first Olympics, stormed to gold with a near-flawless run. Right behind her, veteran Jaelin Kauf—already a familiar face on the Olympic podium—clinched her second straight silver in the event, cementing her reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Lemley, hailing from Vail, Colorado, dazzled the judges with an 82.30 in the second final. For a first-time Olympian, that’s a head-turning debut! Her performance was both technically sharp and fearless, a blend that left fans and teammates in awe. As Lemley herself put it after the race, the moment was "unreal"—a sentiment echoed by the throngs of American supporters who made the trek to northern Italy. Her gold marks not only a personal milestone but also a new chapter for Team USA’s storied freestyle skiing legacy.
Kauf, now a three-time Olympian at 29, showed once again why she’s called the fastest woman in moguls. Her final score of 80.77 secured the silver, making it back-to-back Olympic silvers after her podium finish in Beijing four years ago. Kauf, who was born in Vail, trained in Steamboat, and now calls Wyoming home, has been a dominant force on the World Cup circuit. In the 2025 season alone, she racked up 14 consecutive podiums—including eight victories—and capped her year with a dual moguls world title. When asked about her longevity, Kauf shrugged off any talk of age as a limitation. “That doesn’t define what I can do or accomplish in this sport. I truly think age is just a number. My mom showed me that my whole life. You can do whatever you want to do,” she told USA TODAY Sports.
It was a day of celebration for the Americans, but also one of surprises. The defending Olympic champion, Australia’s Jakara Anthony, was widely tipped to repeat her 2022 triumph. But the pressure of the moment proved too much—Anthony slipped in her run, finishing a disappointing eighth and clearing the way for the U.S. sweep at the top. France’s Perrine Laffont, herself a 2018 Olympic gold medalist, seized the opportunity to claim bronze with a score of 78.00.
Team USA’s depth was on full display, with Olivia Giaccio and Tess Johnson finishing ninth and tenth in the first final. Both just missed advancing to the second final, but their performances underscored the strength and promise of the American women’s moguls program. The camaraderie among the U.S. skiers was palpable, and the family atmosphere in Livigno was impossible to miss. Kauf’s parents, Patti Sherman-Kauf and Scott Kauf, both former pro moguls skiers and champions in their own right, were in the stands—finally able to watch their daughter compete in person after COVID-19 restrictions kept them home during the Beijing Games. “Freestyle is a big family,” Patti Sherman-Kauf said, beaming as she cheered on Jaelin from the slopeside, surrounded by a boisterous group of relatives and friends waving homemade “J” signs.
For Lemley, the victory was the culmination of years of hard work and promise. She’s no stranger to big stages, having twice won gold at the Youth Olympic Games in duals moguls and team duals moguls, but nothing quite compares to Olympic glory. As her friends from Colorado lifted her onto their shoulders in celebration, Lemley’s joy was infectious. The Star Spangled Banner echoed across the snow, and for a moment, the entire park seemed to pause in admiration.
Meanwhile, Kauf’s journey to a second Olympic silver was a testament to resilience and family support. As a child, she watched her mother, Patti, compete at the X Games and even attempt to qualify for the Olympics at age 40. Those memories, Kauf says, have shaped her approach to competition: “They understand competing at an elite level and I don’t know if I bounce anything like technically or anything like that off of them, but definitely, they’re always there as a shoulder to cry on, to celebrate with, whatever it is. And I know that they understand my emotions and feelings and the heartbreak, the upsets and the triumphs of the sport too.”
The women’s moguls event in Livigno also marked a turning point for the sport itself. For the first time, dual moguls has been added as an Olympic event, offering another chance for Kauf and her peers to shine. Kauf is slated to compete in the inaugural women’s dual moguls on Saturday, February 14, at 3:45 a.m. MT, streamed live on Peacock. After her dominant World Cup season and world title in dual moguls, all eyes will be on her as she seeks to add another medal to her already impressive haul.
The American sweep at the top of the podium is more than just a medal count—it’s a passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Lemley’s breakthrough performance signals the arrival of a new star, while Kauf’s consistency and leadership continue to inspire her teammates and fans alike. The U.S. women’s moguls team, bolstered by the support of family, friends, and a passionate community, has set a new standard for excellence on the Olympic stage.
As the celebrations continued well into the evening, the sense of unity and pride among the athletes and their supporters was unmistakable. The 2026 Winter Olympics have already delivered unforgettable moments for Team USA, with Lemley and Kauf at the heart of the action. With dual moguls just around the corner, the excitement is far from over. For now, the American women can savor their historic achievement—a golden day in Livigno that will be remembered for years to come.