UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, American women dominated the dual moguls competition at the World Cup in Val St. Come, Canada, on January 13, 2024, sweeping the top four spots. Jaelin Kauf clinched the victory, defeating Liz Lemley with a score of 23-12 in the finals, marking a pivotal moment in Olympic qualification.
“I was definitely going for the yellow bib, for the win today,” Kauf stated, emphasizing the significance of their collective success. “It made it all that much better having all these girls up there and sweeping the top-4 together — it’s pretty insane.”
Liz Lemley, who recently returned from an ACL injury that sidelined her for the 2024-2025 season, expressed her joy, saying, “I like mogul skiing and I’m happy to be here.” This marks Lemley’s first podium finish since 2024, signaling her strong comeback in the competitive circuit.
Meanwhile, Tess Johnson secured her podium spot by defeating Olivia Giaccio in the small final. Johnson reflected on the historic achievement, stating, “I literally haven’t been able to stop smiling all night. I’m so proud of all of us… This is incredible.” Johnson’s performance has been exceptional this season, with three podium finishes in four World Cups, including a win in the season opener.
The U.S. women’s team is gearing up for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers, with a chance to send up to four athletes to the Milano Cortina Games this February. Kauf has already secured an automatic spot, having swept the moguls, dual moguls, and overall crystal globes last season.
The selection process remains competitive, with up to two additional spots to be filled based on athletes’ performances in upcoming events. Johnson and Kauf are the only Americans to win a World Cup during the current selection period. Giaccio has also been a strong contender this season, reaching the podium three times.
The qualification period for Olympic freestyle skiing concludes on January 18, 2026, with the final selection events scheduled for January 15-16 in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. “It will be awesome to have the last Olympic qualifier in the U.S.,” Giaccio noted. “Everyone is really pushing it right now and definitely making the Olympic qualifying really tough for sure.”
As excitement builds for the Winter Games, the U.S. women’s mogul team exemplifies resilience and determination, making significant strides in their Olympic quest. Fans are eagerly watching as these athletes prepare for the crucial final selections, hoping to see their talents shine on the world stage.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Olympic qualifiers and the incredible journey of these athletes!
