Olympic Gold Medalist Visits Mother's School in Rochester

Chris Lillis, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in aerials skiing, stopped by his mother's school to inspire students.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:36pm

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Olympic gold medalist Chris Lillis visited School Number 19 on Seward Street in Rochester, New York on Tuesday. Lillis, who won his second gold medal last month in the mixed team aerials competition at the Winter Olympics in Italy, stopped by to share his journey and inspire students at the school where his mother, Jamie Lillis, has been a longtime teacher.

Why it matters

Lillis' visit to his mother's school provided a unique opportunity for him to connect with the local community and share his experiences as an elite athlete. By inspiring students to pursue their passions, Lillis aims to encourage the next generation to work hard and strive for their own dreams, whether in sports or other areas of life.

The details

During his visit, Lillis spoke to students about finding something they love, working hard at it every day, and potentially reaching the highest level of their sport or passion. Lillis currently resides in Salt Lake City, home to the Olympic training facility, but made the trip back to Rochester to visit his mother's school and connect with the students.

  • Chris Lillis visited School Number 19 on Seward Street in Rochester on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Lillis will be available for a 'Meet and Greet' event at the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Chris Lillis

A two-time Olympic gold medalist in aerials skiing who recently won his second gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

Jamie Lillis

The mother of Chris Lillis and a longtime teacher at School Number 19 in Rochester, New York.

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What they’re saying

“Whether it's skiing for them, or something else that they're passionate about and maybe want to give a try, just kind of sharing that story of finding something you love, working hard at it everyday, and then maybe you end up in the Olympics or whatever the highest level of that sport or passion is that you're going for.”

— Chris Lillis

“Having Chris come in, a very special moment to share my family and our experiences with my work family and school family.”

— Jamie Lillis, Teacher

What’s next

Fans will have the opportunity to meet Chris Lillis at a 'Meet and Greet' event at the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Chris Lillis' visit to his mother's school in Rochester highlights the importance of inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions and work hard to achieve their dreams, whether in sports or other areas of life. By sharing his own journey to Olympic gold, Lillis aims to motivate students to find and pursue their own unique paths to success.