Elizabeth Lemley and Jaelin Kauf Deliver Historic American 1-2 Finish in Olympic Moguls

Elizabeth Lemley produced a sensational performance to win Olympic gold in the women's moguls final on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics, leading the United States to a historic 1-2 finish alongside Jaelin Kauf. Lemley, just 20 years old from Colorado, posted a score of 82.30 on her final run to claim a stunning victory in her senior Olympic debut, while Kauf's second final score of 80.77 secured the silver medal. France's Perrine Laffont rounded out the podium with bronze.

The American sweep marked the first-ever 1-2 finish for the United States in women's freestyle skiing in Olympic history, adding another milestone to Team USA's impressive performance at Milano Cortina 2026. Lemley's gold medal was particularly surprising given that she was competing in her first Olympic Games at the senior level, though she had previously won two gold medals at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games. Her ability to handle the pressure and deliver her best skiing when it mattered most demonstrated remarkable maturity and composure.

The result was made possible when defending Olympic champion Jakara Anthony of Australia, who had topped the qualification rounds earlier in the day, suffered a devastating tumble during her final run. Anthony, who won gold at the 2022 Beijing Games, had been the favorite to retain her title but lost her balance on the challenging course and was unable to complete a clean run. Her misfortune opened the door for Lemley and Kauf to seize their opportunity and claim the top two spots on the podium.

Lemley's winning run showcased the technical excellence and aerial prowess that have made her one of the sport's rising stars. She navigated the moguls field with precision, executed her aerial tricks with style, and maintained impressive speed throughout her run. Her score of 82.30 reflected the judges' appreciation for both her technical execution and the degree of difficulty in her performance. Kauf, a more experienced competitor, delivered a solid performance of her own to ensure American dominance of the event.

The gold and silver medals add to Team USA's growing collection of freestyle skiing honors and provide a significant boost to the American medal count at these Games. For Lemley, the victory represents the culmination of years of dedication and training, as she transitions from youth competition to Olympic champion in spectacular fashion. The historic 1-2 finish will be remembered as one of the defining moments of American success at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, and establishes Lemley as a star to watch in future international competitions.