Winter Olympics 2026 medalist Jaelin Kauf leads U.S. podium sweep at World Cup Dual Moguls in Japan

Jaelin Kauf delivered another big performance on Sunday as she led a United States podium sweep at the World Cup dual moguls event in Nanto-Toyama, Japan. The three-time Olympic medalist defeated teammate Olivia Giaccio 20-15 in the final. Tess Johnson secured third place to complete the American clean sweep in the event, which recently made its Olympic debut.

The victory marked another strong outing for the U.S. women’s moguls team this season. Kauf, a double silver medalist at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, showed her experience in tough snow conditions at Taira Ski Area. The moguls World Cup now moves to its season finale in Shahdag, Azerbaijan, where Kauf will aim to continue her winning momentum.

Jaelin Kauf extends dominance as U.S. women shine again

Jaelin Kauf’s win in Japan was both emotional and historic. It was in Japan, nearly a decade ago in Tazawako, where she claimed her first-ever World Cup victory. On Sunday, she once again stood on top of the podium after edging Giaccio in a tight and challenging final. Both skiers lost their lines between the first and second jump, but Kauf managed to stay slightly ahead.

After the race, Kauf explained that the final duel was intense. She said it was a dramatic battle with Olivia and she focused on staying composed and preventing mistakes. She added that she launched into the bottom jump quickly and was unsure of Giaccio’s position, so her only aim was to stay upright and reach the finish line safely. Kauf also shared how happy she was to compete again in Japan, praising the amazing crowd and saying it was special to share another podium with her American teammates. She expressed hope that the team could complete another sweep in the final duals event of the season.

The U.S. women have now swept the dual moguls podium twice this season. Kauf previously led a sweep in Val St Côme in January alongside Elizabeth Lemley and Johnson. Lemley, the Olympic moguls champion, did not compete in Japan.

In the men’s event, Japan’s Ikuma Horishima thrilled the home crowd with victory despite a chaotic final run. He said reaching the finish and realizing he had won felt unbelievable. He admitted he wanted a clean run but was delighted to finish first. Horishima added that the crowd’s cheers at the start gate gave him extra strength and that he was proud to lead Japan’s rising moguls team.

The World Cup season concludes on March 14-15 in Azerbaijan.




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