Team USA has made a resounding statement at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, capturing the top two spots in the women’s moguls event and ending a 16-year gold medal drought in the discipline. On a crisp February 11 at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, 20-year-old Liz Lemley of Vail, Colorado, stunned the world in her Olympic debut by clinching the gold medal with a score of 82.30. Right behind her, teammate Jaelin Kauf, also from Vail, delivered another stellar performance, earning her second consecutive Olympic silver in moguls with a score of 80.77.
Lemley’s victory is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a historic moment for American freestyle skiing. Team USA hadn’t tasted gold in women’s moguls since 2010, making this triumph especially sweet for the squad and fans alike. The last time an American stood atop the moguls podium was during the Vancouver Games, and since then, the event has been dominated by international stars. But Lemley, with nerves of steel and a resume already brimming with junior accolades, changed the narrative in Milan Cortina.
“Liz Lemley is as GOOD AS GOLD in her #WinterOlympics debut,” NBC Olympics & Paralympics declared on social media, capturing the excitement that swept through the crowd and across the United States. Lemley’s journey to Olympic gold has been nothing short of remarkable. Just weeks shy of her 20th birthday, she added this crowning achievement to an already impressive list of honors. In 2025, Lemley won two gold medals in moguls at the Youth Olympic Games, and she previously brought home both gold and silver from the 2022 Junior World Championships. If that’s not enough, she also earned a pilot’s license at just 17—a testament to her drive and determination both on and off the slopes.
For Jaelin Kauf, the silver medal in Milan Cortina is both a testament to her consistency and a bittersweet repeat of her 2022 Beijing performance. At 29, Kauf continues to be a force in women’s moguls, cementing her reputation as one of the sport’s most reliable competitors. “Back-to-back moguls silver medals for Jaelin Kauf,” NBC Olympics & Paralympics celebrated, acknowledging her impressive run and the pride she brings to Team USA.
The final showdown in Livigno was packed with drama and anticipation. With Lemley and Kauf holding the top two spots after the second final, only one skier stood between Team USA and a historic 1-2 finish: defending Olympic champion Jakara Anthony of Australia. Anthony, who claimed gold at the 2022 Beijing Games, was widely expected to challenge for the podium. But the pressure proved immense, and a costly slip on her run relegated her to eighth place, opening the door for American glory.
Rounding out the podium was Perrine Laffont of France, the 2018 Olympic gold medalist, who took bronze with a score of 78.00. Laffont’s consistency over the years has kept her among the world’s best, but on this night, the Americans proved unbeatable.
Team USA’s depth in women’s moguls was on full display, even beyond the medalists. Olivia Giaccio and Tess Johnson, both strong contenders in their own right, finished ninth and tenth in the first final, just missing out on the second final and a shot at the podium. Their performances underscore the strength of the American freestyle skiing program and hint at even more success in future competitions.
For Lemley, this Olympic gold is the latest chapter in a storybook career that’s only just begun. Her rapid ascent through the ranks—from dominating the Youth Olympic Games to conquering the Junior World Championships—has made her a household name in the skiing world. “She has worked her way to this point as she competed in the 2024 Youth Olympic Games and 2022 Junior World Championships. Across four games in those competition appearances, she achieved gold three times. Adding a fourth gold medal to her resume in the 2026 Winter Olympics is a sweet, golden debut,” reported The Big Lead, emphasizing the magnitude of her achievement.
But what sets Lemley apart isn’t just her athletic prowess. Her determination to excel, whether on the slopes or in the cockpit, reveals a young athlete with ambition and grit. Earning a pilot’s license at 17 isn’t a common feat among Olympic champions, but for Lemley, it’s just another example of setting her sights high and soaring to new heights.
The significance of Lemley’s victory for Team USA cannot be overstated. The women’s moguls event has long been a challenging battleground for American skiers, with the gold proving elusive since 2010. Lemley’s triumph breaks that streak and injects fresh momentum into the U.S. freestyle skiing program, inspiring a new generation of aspiring athletes. With the win, Team USA also solidified its position in the overall medal standings, climbing to third place with 11 medals as of February 11, 2026.
Meanwhile, Jaelin Kauf’s silver serves as a reminder of her resilience and dedication. To medal in back-to-back Olympics is no small feat, and Kauf’s ability to deliver under pressure has made her a fan favorite. The camaraderie between Lemley and Kauf was evident as they celebrated on the podium, their shared success a testament to teamwork and mutual respect.
Not to be overlooked, Australia’s Jakara Anthony, the 2022 Olympic champion, faced disappointment in Milan Cortina. Her slip in the second final was a stark reminder of the unpredictability and pressure inherent in Olympic competition. Still, Anthony’s legacy as a top moguls skier remains secure, and she’ll no doubt be aiming for redemption in future events.
As the dust settles on a thrilling night at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, the story is clear: Team USA’s women have reclaimed their place atop the moguls world. With Liz Lemley’s golden debut and Jaelin Kauf’s silver repeat, American freestyle skiing has found new heroes and rekindled hopes for continued Olympic success. The energy in the air was palpable, and fans watching on NBC and Peacock were treated to a showcase of skill, determination, and pure Olympic spirit.
With the women’s moguls event now in the books, all eyes turn to the next wave of competitions at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. If Team USA’s performance here is any indication, there’s plenty more excitement—and perhaps more history—to come.