UPDATE: The U.S. women’s moguls team made history on January 13, 2024, by sweeping the top four spots in the dual moguls competition at the World Cup in Val St. Come, Canada. Jaelin Kauf took first place, defeating Liz Lemley 23-12 in the final, solidifying her position as a leading contender for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.
Kauf expressed her excitement after the victory, stating, “I was definitely going for the yellow bib, for the win today, just trying to leave it all out there. And it made it all that much better having all these girls up there and sweeping the top-4 together — it’s pretty insane.”
Lemley, who recently returned from an ACL injury that cut her last season short, celebrated her first podium finish since 2024. “I’m super stoked about it,” she remarked. “I like mogul skiing and I’m happy to be here.”
Completing the impressive U.S. performance, Tess Johnson secured third place by overcoming Olivia Giaccio, who fell in the small final. Johnson, who has stood on the podium three times this season, shared, “I literally haven’t been able to stop smiling all night. I’m so proud of all of us… This is incredible.”
This remarkable achievement marks the first time the U.S. women swept the moguls podium since 2021. With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, the stakes are high. The U.S. can qualify up to four women for the moguls events in Milano Cortina, and Kauf has already secured her spot by winning the moguls, dual moguls, and overall crystal globes last season.
Athletes will be nominated for the remaining spots based on their top finishes in selection events. Johnson ranks high with her performances this season, including a win in the season opener. Lemley’s second-place finish is her best this season, alongside a fourth place in Ruka and a seventh in individual moguls on Friday.
The selection process remains competitive, with the qualification period closing on January 18, 2026. The final selection events will be held on January 15-16 in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Giaccio commented on the intense competition, stating, “It will be awesome to have the last Olympic qualifier in the U.S. and keep the ball rolling. Everyone is really pushing it right now and definitely making the Olympic qualifying really tough for sure.”
With the excitement building for the 2026 Winter Olympics, all eyes will be on the U.S. moguls team as they prepare for the upcoming qualification events. This historic performance in Val St. Come not only boosts their confidence but also ignites hope for Olympic glory.
