MILAN — Kaila Kuhn, a 22-year-old aerial skier from Boyne City, won an Olympic gold medal for Team USA in the mixed aerials event.
The victory came during Kuhn’s second Winter Olympics appearance, where she served as the only woman on the gold-medal-winning squad.
The American team finished the mixed aerials competition almost 30 points ahead of the second-place finishers after landing all six of their jumps. This podium finish followed the individual competition for Kuhn, who placed fifth after adverse weather conditions forced that event into a single day of competition.
Weather conditions at the games forced the individual women’s competition into a one-day event. The condensed schedule required athletes to perform a high volume of jumps in a single day, which was described as a significant physical challenge for those competing with complex maneuvers.
Following the individual event, Kuhn learned she was chosen as the only woman to compete for the United States in the mixed aerials event.
The U.S. team secured the top spot on the leaderboard by landing all six of its collective jumps.
Each of the three athletes on the squad completed two jumps apiece, finishing the event almost 30 points ahead of the second-place team to secure the gold medal.
Kuhn is one of two athletes from Northern Michigan who represented the U.S. in aerial skiing at these games. She credited her community and family for providing a strong support system throughout her second Olympic appearance. “It’s been incredible,” Kuhn said. “I have this major support system back home in Michigan, and that’s where I’ve felt the most support. But from all over the country, all over the world, I have gotten so many messages, and so much support from loved ones and friends, and I already know that I would have gotten this same welcome if I hadn’t come home with a medal. And I think that’s what makes it really special.”
Kuhn plans to return to her training schedule after a brief rest period. “I’m already getting a little bit antsy,” Kuhn said. “I have taken a little over a week off from that team event, and I’m already ready to get back in the gym and start training again.”