For the 11th year running, the FIS Moguls World Cup tour kicked off in Ruka, Finland, Saturday. Jaelin Kauf led the U.S. Ski Team with a second-place podium finish, her best Opener result yet. She shared the podium with France’s Perrine Laffont, who earned the win, and Russia’s Anastasiia Smironva, who came in third.
“I’m really stoked, I’m really happy,” she said in the finish area. “I accomplished exactly what I set out to today. I’m looking forward to competing more, building on that run, hopefully bringing in another new trick to the season as well.” Jaelin competed her new back mute grab on the top air and as the season gets underway, will look to bring in a new bottom air as well.
The PowHERHouse turned it on and four American women qualified for finals: Kai Owens, Jaelin, Hannah Soar, and Tess Johnson.
On the men's side Dylan Walczyk posted the best result for the Americans with a fourth place finish. “Dylan had good precision on the runs, making the tricks count and maximizing his turns,” said Matt.
Brad Wilson and Nick Page both skied in finals, finishing ninth and 10th, respectively. This was Nick’s second career finals appearance and the 10th place matched his career-best from Deer Valley in 2020. He wowed the venue with a surprise cork 14 on his bottom air, making him the first American to throw the trick in international competition, and the third person overall to do so.
Thank you for your support of the 2020 U.S. Freestyle Moguls Ski Team Fundraiser! Because of your generous donation we were able to have a record-breaking year raising over $160,000 for the team, ensuring they are fully funded for the 2020 - 2021 season. Your support is critical to the continued success of these athletes.
Hosted by freestyle skiing legends and favorites Trace Worthington and Sean Smith, with a special appearance from Olympic champion Hannah Kearney. See what summer training is like, catch up with athletes in a socially distanced way, reminisce about the good ol' days of freestyle and see what the future holds!
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation is the non-profit fundraising arm of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Incorporated in 1964 as a 501(c)3, the Foundation raises money to support year-round athlete training, development, competition and educational needs. Donations to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law.