Call it fate, or destiny, but there was never a question whether Jaelin Kauf would be a great mogul skier. As the child of competitive mogul skiers, Kauf hit the snow at an early age and stepped onto her first X Games podium as a young child to celebrate her mother’s performance.

It wasn’t long before Kauf began to make a name for herself in the sport, rising quickly through the ranks and earning medals everywhere she went. From the Junior Olympics to the U.S. Championships to the world championships, Kauf has been a machine, routinely putting herself on the podium.

After two previous Olympic appearances, including one silver medal, Kauf is at the top of her game heading into the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games. On the heels of a dominant World Cup season in which she won a Crystal Globe hat trick, all eyes will be on Kauf to once again see what she can do on the world’s biggest stage.

Read below to learn more about the Team USA star as she continues her charge for her first Olympic title.

Where is Jaelin Kauf from?

Kauf was born in Vail, Colorado and grew up in Alta, Wyoming.

How old is Jaelin Kauf?

Kauf is 29 years old and was born on Sept. 26, 1996.

When did Jaelin Kauf start skiing?

Growing up in a skiing family, Kauf was exposed to the world of competitive skiing at a very young age. Her mother, Patti Sherman-Kauf, and her father, Scott Kauf, both were professional mogul skiers. Additionally, her mother competed in ski cross, winning three X Games medals between 1999 and 2002, and brought Kauf onto the podium with her. Her older brother, Skyler, also skied as a child, and inspired Kauf to take up the sport.

What events does Jaelin Kauf compete in?

Kauf competes in both mogul and dual mogul competitions and has had tremendous success in both disciplines. Dual moguls has been part of the FIS World Cup circuit since 1995 but finally will make its Olympic debut at the Milan Cortina Games.

How has Jaelin Kauf performed at past Olympics?

After placing 7th in moguls in her Olympic debut at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, Kauf put on a massive show at the 2022 Beijing Olympics to claim the silver medal.

How did Jaelin Kauf rise to fame in moguls skiing?

There was little doubt that Kauf was going to be a mogul star, having grown up in the sport from a very young age. At the 2015 FIS Junior World Ski Championships, Kauf grabbed the bronze medal in the moguls event, establishing herself as a young star. She finished 2nd in dual moguls at the 2016 U.S. National Championships and secured her first World Cup podium the same year. In 2017, Kauf grabbed her first U.S. title along with her first world championships bronze medal, setting the stage for her Olympic debut in 2018.

What are Jaelin Kauf’s biggest career highlights?

Aside from her Olympic silver medal, Kauf has won five medals at the world championships, including one world title. She also is a seven-time U.S. national champion and three-time Crystal Globe winner.

What has Jaelin Kauf won outside the Olympics?

Outside the Olympics, Kauf has put together an incredible career, with five world championships medals and one world title under her belt. She also is a seven-time U.S. national champion with 16 career World Cup wins and 50 World Cup podiums.

What sets Jaelin Kauf apart from other mogul skiers?

On the mogul circuit, Kauf is known for her incredible speed, often finishing a run well ahead of her competitors. While time is just one part of the overall score for a mogul run, Kauf’s speed often gives her a competitive advantage.

How has Jaelin Kauf performed in recent seasons?

While Kauf has been fighting at the top of the moguls world for a few years, she reached new heights during the 2024-25 season. Kauf was unstoppable, winning the moguls, dual moguls and overall Crystal Globes. She made the podium in 14 straight events, recorded eight wins over the course of the season, and won the world title in dual moguls, cementing her status as the athlete to beat heading into the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

What are Jaelin Kauf’s medal hopes for Milan Cortina 2026?

Kauf will bring incredible momentum into the 2026 Olympic Games, putting her in contention for her first Olympic title. However, 2022 Olympic gold medalist Jakara Anthony’s return from injury will make the title race closer than ever. Anthony, who swept all three World Cup titles in 2024, missed most of last season due to a broken collarbone.

What ski brand and gear does Jaelin Kauf use?

Kauf uses ID One skies, showing off her long-term partnership with the brand. She also is sponsored by Oakley and Spyder, which provide the rest of her gear on the slopes.

How many followers does Jaelin Kauf have on Instagram?

Kauf currently has over 18,500 followers on Instagram, where she posts a mix of skiing, promotional and behind-the-scenes content of herself, her friends and family.

What are Jaelin Kauf’s hobbies outside skiing?

Outside skiing, Kauf enjoys spending time outdoors. Some of her favorite hobbies include hiking, camping, surfing and other water sports and mountain and road biking.

Has Jaelin Kauf been featured in documentaries, interviews, or ski films?

In 2019, Kauf was featured in the Warren Miller ski documentary “Timeless.”

What are some fun facts about Jaelin Kauf?

• Kauf skis with the motto “Deliver the Love” on the back of her helmet and as a daily reminder on her phone. The phrase is Kauf’s reminder to herself to have fun and allow her love for her sport to guide her performance.
• In addition to her mother, father, and brother having a background in moguls skiing, Kauf’s boyfriend Brad Wilson also was a competitive mogul skier for Team USA. Wilson’s older brother, 2010 Olympic medalist Bryon Wilson, is Kauf’s coach.
• On and off the slopes, Kauf is a huge supporter of women’s sports. She has been a long-time partner of the Women’s Sports Foundation, just like her mother was back when she competed professionally.