The United States captured gold in the mixed team aerials event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, reinforcing its strength in freestyle skiing and adding another historic moment to its Games performance. The U.S. team delivered a dominating performance on Saturday in Italy to secure the top podium spot ahead of teams from Switzerland and China.
Team USA’s crew of Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Chris Lillis combined precision and power in the finals to earn a total score of 325.35 points. Their strong aerial jumps put them well ahead of Switzerland, which claimed silver, and China, which earned bronze.
The team entered the final round confident and focused, each athlete delivering key jumps that helped build an early lead. Kuhn opened with a solid back full-full-full attempt, scoring high and setting the tone for the American trio. Curran followed with a back full-double full-full jump that pushed Team USA further into gold medal position.
Chris Lillis delivered the decisive jump when it mattered most. The experienced aerialist, who also won gold in this event at the Beijing Olympics in 2022, executed a nearly flawless back double full-full-full attempt, earning the highest score among the U.S. team and sealing the victory.
Team USA’s win in the mixed aerials event marked another highlight for American freestyle skiing at the Milan‑Cortina Games. The victory also extended the nation’s record medal count at these Olympics, playing a key role in establishing the United States as one of the top medal-winning countries of the Games.
Kuhn, Curran, and Lillis showed resilience throughout the event, bouncing back after earlier individual competitions that did not yield medals for all of them. Their teamwork and ability to deliver under pressure were crucial in securing gold for the U.S. team.
Speaking after the win, athletes from the team expressed pride in their performance and gratitude for the opportunity to compete together on the Olympic stage. Their victory added momentum to the U.S. freestyle skiing program and inspired fans who watched the thrilling competition unfold.
The mixed team aerials format combines performances from male and female skiers, requiring consistency and technical skill from every team member. Team USA’s win continued its strong tradition in this discipline, with Lillis now one of the few athletes to claim back‑to‑back Olympic golds in the event.
Fans and commentators praised the trio not only for their athletic ability but also for their strategic approach to the competition. By balancing risk and precision in each jump, they ensured a performance that stood out in a field of highly skilled international competitors.
The gold medal in mixed team aerials adds to a broader pattern of success for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as American athletes excelled across multiple sports and disciplines throughout the Games.
This historic result is expected to boost interest in freestyle skiing and inspire young athletes across the country. With strong performances like this, Team USA continues to build a legacy of winter sports excellence and set new standards on the Olympic stage.
