LIVIGNO, Italy — Liz Lemley emerged as a shining star at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, clinching the gold medal in the women’s moguls event. The atmosphere was electrifying as “The Star Spangled Banner” reverberated through the snow sports cluster, marking a historic moment for Team USA, with Lemley sharing the podium with her teammate Jaelin Kauf, who secured silver for the second consecutive year.
Lemley’s impressive final run yielded a score of 82.30, while Kauf followed closely with 80.77. The defending Olympic champion, Australia’s Jakara Anthony, experienced a misstep during her run, allowing the American duo to claim the top two spots. France’s Perrine Laffont took home the bronze with a score of 78.00.
The moment was filled with emotional celebrations among friends and families, with tears of joy flowing as Kauf’s family held up cutouts of the letter “J” for their daughter. Lemley’s friends from Colorado lifted her onto their shoulders, a testament to the pride and joy surrounding their achievements.
At just 20 years old, Lemley not only competed as the youngest member of the U.S. moguls team but also delivered a performance akin to that of a seasoned athlete. A two-time gold medalist at the Youth Olympic Games in duals moguls, this gold at the Olympics marks her ascent on the international skiing stage.
Kauf, who previously won a silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, continues to prove her prowess in the sport. With a reputation for being the fastest woman in moguls skiing, she enjoyed a stellar 2025 season that culminated in a world title. At 29, Kauf reflects on her career with the belief that age does not define capability, inspired by her mother, Patti, a former competitor on the Pro Moguls Tour, who served as a significant role model throughout her life.
“Their understanding of competing at an elite level brings me comfort,” Kauf mentioned, highlighting the strong familial support she receives. As she navigates the highs and lows of athletic competition, Kauf finds solace in her parents’ shared experiences, bringing a personal touch to her journey.
The podium finish for Lemley and Kauf symbolizes not only their individual journeys but also a bright future for American moguls skiing, embodying determination and resilience on the grandest Olympic stage.