CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — American freestyle skiing sensation Liz Lemley continued her historic run at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, February 14, 2026, capturing the bronze medal in the inaugural women’s dual moguls event. The 20-year-old Vail native’s podium finish comes just days after she shocked the world by winning gold in the traditional moguls competition.
Lemley, the youngest member of the U.S. moguls squad, secured her second medal of the Milano Cortina Games by narrowly defeating France’s Perrine Laffont in the “small final.” The victory solidified a dominant showing for Team USA, as teammate Jaelin Kauf took home the silver medal, marking a 2-3 finish for the Americans in the event’s Olympic debut.
A Historic Week for the “Vail Phenom”
The bronze medal adds to what has been a career-defining week for Lemley. On Wednesday, February 11, she claimed the gold medal in the women’s moguls final, capitalizing on a veteran-like composure despite being a first-time Olympian. Her gold-silver finish alongside Kauf earlier in the week was hailed as the best Olympic performance in U.S. women’s moguls history.
Lemley’s rise to the top of the podium is particularly remarkable given her recent injury history. The skier missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL. Her rapid recovery and subsequent dominance in Italy have made her one of the breakout stars of the 2026 Games.
From Colorado to the World Stage
Born January 22, 2006, Lemley began skiing at just six months old in Vail, Colorado. A product of the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, she previously gained international attention by winning two gold medals at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Lemley is known for her academic ambitions. She has deferred her enrollment at Oberlin College, where she is set to begin her freshman year this coming fall. Additionally, the Olympic champion has expressed interest in eventually joining the U.S. Air Force.
Team USA Dominance
The success of Lemley and Kauf has provided a significant boost to the United States medal count. As gold and bronze medalists, they are eligible for the $200,000 payout promised to U.S. Olympic medalists, though the final amount remains subject to state residency taxes.
With the conclusion of the dual moguls event, Lemley leaves Italy as a multi-medal winner, cementing her status as the new face of American freestyle skiing. “It’s so special to share this with everyone,” Lemley told reporters following the medal ceremony. “To come back from injury and be here with my teammates is a dream come true.”