Steamboat Springs Ski Star Clinches 40th Career World Cup Podium: A Moment to Remember!

Jaelin Kauf kicked off her season with two big goals: to keep the yellow bib and to become a dual moguls world champion.

Her journey has already been impressive. Kauf recently won a World Cup event and celebrated her 40th career podium finish. That’s a huge milestone for any athlete!

The moguls World Cup took place at Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, the heart of freestyle skiing, marking the start of the second part of the season after a month-long break.

Kauf, who trained with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, achieved two second-place finishes, showcasing the best performance from the U.S. team this season.

“I’m really happy with today. The course was super fun, and I felt consistent,” Kauf shared after her silver medal run in dual moguls. “I wish I had taken the top spot, but I’m excited to be on the podium and maintain the yellow bib.”

The yellow bib designates the current world number one skier. Kauf started the duals season with a fantastic win in Bakuriani, Georgia, which helped her secure the yellow bib. Even though she fell short against Perrine Laffont of France in the big final, she still holds the number one spot with 180 points compared to Laffont’s 160.

In singles moguls, Kauf ranks third overall, following her teammate Olivia Giaccio in second place. Laffont is at the top spot in that category.

Kauf learned that her latest achievement marked her 40th World Cup podium only the day after the event, thanks to a text from her mother. This event in Waterville was meaningful for her as it coincided almost perfectly with her first World Cup start nearly nine years ago in Val St. Come, Canada, where she placed 13th in singles. Just weeks later, she earned her first podium finish at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, with a third-place finish in duals.

Reflecting on her journey, Kauf stated, “It’s incredible to have reached this many podiums. I never expected to achieve this when I started competing in the World Cup.” Celebrating her 40th podium with friends and family in the crowd made it even more special.

The U.S. moguls team is gearing up for the next World Cup in Val Saint-Come, happening from January 31 to February 1.