Team USA delivered a dominant performance in women’s freestyle moguls at the Winter Olympics on Wednesday, capturing both gold and silver in a high-stakes final that showcased depth, precision, and Olympic composure.
Elizabeth Lemley, a 20-year-old from Vail, Colorado, surged to the top of the podium in her Olympic debut at the Milan Cortina Games. Competing in the eight-skier final, Lemley posted a winning score of 82.30 points, securing the gold medal in one of the most technically demanding alpine skiing disciplines on the Winter Olympic schedule.
Just behind her was veteran teammate Jaelin Kauf, who earned silver with 80.77 points. The 29-year-old from Alta, Wyoming, repeated her performance from the 2022 Beijing Games, where she also claimed silver. Her consistency across consecutive Winter Olympics reinforces her standing as one of the most reliable competitors in freestyle skiing.
Kauf’s journey in moguls is deeply personal. Both of her parents competed professionally in the sport, and she has frequently credited her family for shaping her competitive mindset. Reflecting on her mother’s influence ahead of the event, Kauf said, “My mom has always been my biggest hero and role model, just watching how she’s just gone at life and done what she’s done, pushing the boundaries,” she told reporters ahead of the game.
France’s Perrine Laffont, the 2018 Olympic champion, secured bronze in Wednesday’s final, returning to the podium after a strong showing. Meanwhile, defending gold medalist Jakara Anthony of Australia placed eighth after slipping during her final run, a costly error in a competition where precision and balance are critical.
Freestyle moguls skiing, which combines speed, technical turns, and aerial maneuvers, remains one of the most dynamic events in Olympic winter sports. Team USA’s one-two finish further strengthens the nation’s reputation in Olympic freestyle skiing and adds to its medal count at the Milan Cortina Games.
