Team USA delivered a standout performance in women’s freestyle moguls as Elizabeth Lemley captured gold and Jaelin Kauf secured silver at the Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy.
Competing in her Olympic debut, the 20-year-old Lemley powered through the mogul course and nailed her aerials to post a winning score of 82.30. Kauf followed closely with an 80.77, earning her second consecutive Olympic silver after also finishing runner-up at the 2022 Games.
France’s Perrine Laffont, the 2018 Olympic champion, took bronze with a 78.00. Defending gold medalist Jakara Anthony of Australia entered the final as a favorite but lost control on her run and ended up eighth, locking in the American one-two finish.
Sharing the podium with her teammate made the moment even more meaningful for Lemley. “My teammates are my family, and I couldn’t have done any of this without them,” she said. “They’re the best. I love Jaelin, and to share it is so special to me.”
The result marked Team USA’s third medal in freestyle skiing at these Games, following Alex Hall’s silver in men’s slopestyle. Lemley’s celebration included a brief hiccup when her medal detached from its ribbon during the ceremony, though it was quickly repaired.
For Kauf, the silver continued a family legacy in the sport—both of her parents were professional mogul skiers. Reflecting on her inspiration ahead of the Games, she 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.”
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