Part-time Parkite Elizabeth Lemley wins Olympic moguls

Lemley and Salt Lake City's Jaelin Kauf take gold and silver in women's moguls final at Milan Cortina Olympics

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Elizabeth Lemley, a 20-year-old part-time Park City resident, won the gold medal in the women's moguls event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, while her teammate Jaelin Kauf of Salt Lake City took the silver medal. Lemley, who is ranked fourth in the world, secured the win after the defending gold medalist from the 2022 Beijing Games, Australia's Jakara Anthony, caught her skis and veered off the course. Kauf, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, finished second.

Why it matters

Lemley's surprise gold medal win and Kauf's continued podium success highlight the strength of the U.S. women's moguls team, which has produced multiple Olympic medalists in recent Games. The event also showcases the growing popularity of freestyle skiing events like moguls at the Winter Olympics.

The details

In the women's moguls final, Lemley skied the leftmost side of the course, an area that was largely untouched by other competitors besides Anthony. Lemley's coach, John Dowling of Ski & Snowboard Vail, devised the strategy, believing that finding an untouched groove on the course could lead to better results. Lemley, who is known for her composure, said she was just focused on her own run and wasn't expecting a high score. After Anthony's mistake, Lemley's gold medal was secured, leading to an emotional celebration with her U.S. teammates.

  • The women's moguls final took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The inaugural Olympic dual moguls event, which Lemley and Kauf will compete in, is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Elizabeth Lemley

A 20-year-old part-time Park City resident who won the gold medal in the women's moguls event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Lemley is ranked fourth in the world and had only one previous World Cup win prior to her Olympic triumph.

Jaelin Kauf

A Salt Lake City native who won the silver medal in the women's moguls event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Kauf is a two-time Olympic silver medalist in moguls.

Jakara Anthony

The defending gold medalist in women's moguls from the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Anthony made a mistake in the final round, catching her skis and veering off the course, allowing Lemley to secure the gold medal.

John Dowling

Lemley's private coach from Ski & Snowboard Vail, who devised the strategy for her to ski the leftmost side of the course, an area largely untouched by other competitors.

Wirostko Morelli family

A Park City family who took Lemley into their home when she made the U.S. ski team and have become a pseudo-family for her, providing support and a place to stay.

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What they’re saying

“I just love skiing and enjoy myself in the gate. I enjoy competing and showcasing my skill, and that's really what this is all about.”

— Elizabeth Lemley (Park Record)

“Up in the start gate, they're chanting Jaelin. I'm smiling so big up there. It's fun to share it all with them.”

— Jaelin Kauf (Park Record)

“Liz takes it pretty easy. I don't think there were any tears. There was no wasted emotion. I know she's thrilled, but she'll be ready.”

— John Dowling, Lemley's coach (Park Record)

What’s next

Lemley and Kauf will compete in the inaugural Olympic dual moguls event on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Lemley's parents are expected to be in the crowd to support her in the new event.

The takeaway

Lemley's surprise gold medal win and Kauf's continued success highlight the depth and talent of the U.S. women's moguls team, which has emerged as a dominant force in the sport. The event showcases the growing popularity of freestyle skiing at the Winter Olympics and the ability of young athletes like Lemley to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.