Team USA Captures Gold in Freestyle Skiing Mixed Team Aerials at 2026 Winter Olympics
LIVIGNO, Italy — Team USA soared to victory in the freestyle skiing mixed team aerials competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, clinching the gold medal with a combined score of 325.35. The American trio of Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Christopher Lillis outperformed strong contenders from Switzerland, China, and Australia in a thrilling finale held in the Italian Alps.
The mixed team aerials event, a relatively new addition to the Olympic program since its debut at the 2022 Beijing Games, demands precision, athleticism, and daring acrobatics. This year’s competition saw Lillis execute a breathtaking back double full-full-full jump, earning a top score of 117.19 points. Curran followed with a back full-double full-full, securing 113.72 points, while Kuhn contributed a solid 94.44 points with her performance.
With this victory, Team USA successfully defended its title, having first claimed gold in the event’s Olympic inception. The previous 2022 gold-winning team featured Lillis alongside Ashley Caldwell and Justin Schoenefeld, underscoring the depth and consistency of the U.S. freestyle skiing program.
The success of the U.S. team reflects years of dedication and support from organizations such as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, which oversees athlete development and Olympic participation. The aerials discipline itself is governed internationally by the International Ski Federation (FIS), which continues to promote the sport’s growth worldwide.
Freestyle skiing aerials require athletes to launch off steep ramps, perform multiple flips and twists in midair, and land with precision on a steep slope. The mixed team format combines male and female athletes’ scores, emphasizing teamwork and consistency across performances. The event’s inclusion in the Olympics highlights the evolving nature of winter sports and the increasing spotlight on gender-inclusive competitions.
Saturday’s event drew widespread attention, with fans and commentators praising the American team’s composure under pressure. The victory also adds to the United States’ overall medal tally at the Winter Games, where American athletes continue to demonstrate excellence across disciplines.
For more information on the Winter Olympics and updates on freestyle skiing, the official International Olympic Committee website provides comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the Team USA portal offers athlete profiles and detailed results.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics progress, Team USA’s gold in mixed team aerials stands as a testament to the country’s strength in winter sports and its commitment to fostering new Olympic events that showcase athletic innovation and gender equity.
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