The U.S. mixed aerials team achieved a remarkable victory at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, clinching the gold medal and setting a new record for Team USA with their 11th gold medal of the event. This achievement not only highlights the team’s talent but also surpasses the previous record of 10 gold medals secured during the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
Comprised of Chris Lillis, Connor Curran, and Kaila Kuhn, the team showcased their impressive skills and synergy, executing flawless jumps that led them to the top of the podium. The moment was one of sheer delight for the trio, who celebrated their triumph in front of the cameras in the mixed zone, where medals hung at chest level.
Lillis reflected on the team’s success, attributing it to their background in team sports, which fosters motivation and support among the members. “I think that really helps us, especially in aerial skiing,” he noted, highlighting the isolation athletes often feel when competing individually.
The mixed aerials event had its inaugural appearance at the 2022 Beijing Games, where Team USA also took home gold. The strong performance this year saw the team dominate from the outset, with Kuhn setting an impressive pace, Curran managing nerves skillfully, and Lillis executing a well-practiced jump that secured their victory.
Behind them, Switzerland earned the silver medal while China claimed the bronze. The Americans delivered a flawless performance, completing all six of their jumps despite the fact that many aerialists typically crash on nearly 60% of their attempts—a remarkable feat showcasing both skill and composure under pressure.
Originally, the team was slated to include Quinn Dehlinger, the defending world champion, but he had to withdraw due to a knee injury sustained during training. Additionally, challenging weather conditions in the lead-up to the event altered training schedules, leaving competitors feeling less prepared. Curran discovered his spot on the team at the last moment, but he embraced the opportunity and aimed to perform for his teammates.
Kuhn, who claimed gold at the 2025 world championships, had high hopes for the individual events but faced disappointment alongside her teammate Winter Vinecki, both of whom fell short in their final jumps. Nevertheless, the team’s resilience and determination allowed them to redirect their focus to the mixed event, ultimately reaping the rewards.
Reflecting on their path to success, Lillis humbly acknowledged that despite their gold medal victory, past disappointments in individual competitions still resonate with him. “I’ve fallen just short twice now, and it hurts, and I know that I’m capable of more,” he said, expressing aspirations for future individual podium finishes.
Despite the mixed emotions, Lillis emphasized the significance of their gold medal achievement. “It’s so great to get Olympic gold with my teammates, and to do it for them, and them doing it for me,” he concluded, illustrating the profound sense of camaraderie that marked their Olympic journey.