Liz Lemley Shines at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Day 8 of the 2026 Milan Cortina Games delivered thrilling moments across various disciplines, including skiing, hockey, and curling. However, the spotlight shone brightly on American freestyle skier, Elizabeth “Liz” Lemley, who secured a bronze medal in dual moguls, adding to the excitement of the Winter Olympics. This achievement follows a remarkable performance by compatriot Jaelin Kauf, who took silver, with Australia’s Jakara Anthony claiming gold.
Historic Moments and Medal Triumphs
The Games also witnessed history being made as Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen clinched his country’s first-ever Winter Olympic medal in giant slalom. Team USA men’s hockey is gearing up for a challenging match against Denmark, while the Canadian women’s team will battle Germany in the quarterfinals.
Drama on the Moguls Course
The women’s dual moguls event was filled with dramatic twists and turns. Jaelin Kauf experienced a mid-hill crash but managed to advance after Perrine Laffont also faltered. Elizabeth Lemley also faced a challenge in her semifinal race, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final between Kauf and Anthony. The competition in Livigno was nothing short of electrifying.
Entering the semifinals, the possibility of an all-American final loomed large, with Jaelin Kauf and Liz Lemley both looking strong. However, Australia’s Jakara Anthony, a formidable force in moguls skiing, proved to be a tough competitor.
Cross-Country Dominance and Valentine’s Day Drama
Sweden continues to dominate the cross-country events, led by Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson, who recently secured a 1-2 finish in individual races. Their team is the reigning world champion in the relay and is poised for further success. Norway and Finland are expected to provide strong competition.
Valentine’s Day brought a different kind of drama, as Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid’s confession of infidelity following his bronze medal win sparked controversy and garnered international attention. Read the full story here.
Other Highlights and Rising Stars
Great Britain celebrated its first individual gold medal in a Winter Olympics since 1980, thanks to skeleton athlete Matt Weston. The atmosphere in Bormio is electric, with fans eagerly supporting the athletes. Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, a world No. 1, is a strong contender in the men’s giant slalom, having already secured a bronze and a silver at these Games.
Liz Lemley: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Many believe that Jaelin Kauf’s career has been building towards this moment. The Olympic debut of dual moguls is perfectly suited to Kauf’s strengths, as she is widely regarded as “The Fastest Woman on Bump.” Lemley, in her first Olympics, has quickly established herself as a rising star, alongside Kauf, as favorites in this event.
As mogul skiers navigate the challenging course, one can’t help but marvel at their resilience and skill. As women’s gold medallist Liz ‘the Lizard’ Lemley puts it, it’s the ultimate flow-state sport.
The 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver unforgettable moments, showcasing the dedication, athleticism, and drama that make this event so captivating. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from Milan Cortina!
