USA Secures Back-to-Back Olympic Gold in Freestyle Skiing Mixed Team Aerials
The United States has been crowned champion in the freestyle skiing mixed team aerials event at Milano Cortina 2026. The team of Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Christopher Lillis achieved a combined score of 325.35, delivering a stunning performance in the Super Final.
A Triumphant Defense of the Title
The U.S. Team entered the competition as the defending champions, having won gold at Beijing 2022. While the lineup differed from four years ago – with Christopher Lillis being the sole returning member – the team maintained its winning form. This victory marks back-to-back Olympic titles for the United States in this event.
Switzerland and China Claim Silver and Bronze
Switzerland secured the silver medal with a score of 296.91, represented by Lina Kozomara, Pirmin Werner, and Noé Roth. This marks Switzerland’s first-ever medal in the mixed team event. Roth’s achievement adds to his Milano Cortina 2026 collection, having previously won silver in the men’s event.
The People’s Republic of China claimed the bronze medal with 279.68 points, featuring Xu Mengtao, Wang Xindi, and Li Tianma. This is their second consecutive medal in the mixed team event, following a silver medal at their home Games in Beijing.
China’s Dominance in Individual Events
Despite their bronze in the team event, the People’s Republic of China demonstrated significant strength throughout the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, winning gold in both the men’s and women’s individual aerials events.
Kaila Kuhn’s Continued Success
Kaila Kuhn, a member of the gold-winning U.S. Team, has shown consistent improvement in her career. She improved upon her eighth-place finish in aerials at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
The Cruel Beauty of Aerials
Aerials is known for its breathtaking beauty and inherent difficulty. Competitors perform complex acrobatic jumps, with only one jump determining the medalists in the final six. The event demands both technical skill and mental fortitude.
FAQ
Q: Who was on the USA’s gold-winning team?
A: Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Christopher Lillis.
Q: What place did Switzerland achieve?
A: Switzerland won the silver medal.
Q: Which country won gold in both the men’s and women’s individual aerials events?
A: The People’s Republic of China.
Q: Has the USA won this event before?
A: Yes, the USA also won gold at Beijing 2022.
Did you know? Christopher Lillis was the only returning member from the USA’s gold-winning team at Beijing 2022.
Explore more about the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games here.
