Team USA triumphed in women’s freestyle moguls skiing at the Winter Olympics on February 7, 2024, securing both gold and silver medals. Elizabeth Lemley, a 20-year-old athlete from Vail, Colorado, made a stunning Olympic debut by winning the gold medal with a score of 82.30 points. Jaelin Kauf, 29, from Alta, Wyoming, earned the silver medal after scoring 80.77 points, successfully defending her position from the previous Olympics held in Beijing.
Lemley’s victory showcases her exceptional skill and determination as she navigated the high-stakes competition. “To be here and to win gold is a dream come true,” Lemley said in an interview following her remarkable performance. The young skier has quickly made a name for herself on the international stage, and her achievements at the Milan Cortina Games are a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Kauf’s silver medal adds to her accolades, having previously achieved the same honor at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. She expressed her gratitude for her family’s influence, stating, “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,” in a conversation with CBS News ahead of the Games.
In the finals, Perrine Laffont of France, the gold medalist from the 2018 Olympics, earned the bronze medal, demonstrating her continued competitiveness in the sport. The defending champion, Jakara Anthony of Australia, faced disappointment as she finished in eighth place after losing her balance during her final run.
The success of Team USA in women’s moguls skiing highlights the nation’s strength in winter sports and sets a positive tone for the rest of the Games. With Lemley and Kauf both delivering outstanding performances, the future looks bright for American freestyle skiing as more events unfold in Milan Cortina.
