Where It All Began: Jaelin Kauf’s Path from Grand Targhee to Olympic Glory

For Alta, Wyoming, native Jaelin Kauf, freestyle mogul skiing is more than a career; it's a deep-seated passion. This love for the sport is so vital to her that she has a simple mantra: 'Deliver The Love.' It's a daily reminder and a phrase glued to the back of her helmet, guiding her pursuit of peak performance.

A fierce competitor, Kauf recently completed a phenomenal season. She won the Moguls, Dual Moguls, and Overall Crystal Globes in 2024-25. Furthermore, she maintained an impressive 14-event podium streak and secured a Dual Moguls World Championship title. These accomplishments cement her status as a leading contender for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Kauf is widely known as the fastest woman on the mogul World Cup circuit. While speed is just one component of a mogul run's overall score, Kauf's pace gives her a massive competitive edge. Where did this aggressive, full-throttle approach originate?

The roots of this passion and style can be traced directly back to her home, nestled at the base of the western Tetons. Growing up in Alta, Wyoming, and learning to ski at Grand Targhee Resort instilled in her a profound love for the mountains and the pure act of being on snow.

Targhee—known for its legendary powder and playful, challenging terrain—was her training ground and her backyard. It’s here, amidst the deep snow and natural fall lines, that she developed the powerful leg strength and the ability to link turns at speed that defines her technique today. The short film touches on this support system, which includes her family (both professional mogul skiers) and the resort that forged her skills.

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2026 Games will be the official Olympic debut of Dual Moguls. A highly successful discipline on the World Cup circuit since 1995, it’s a head-to-head format that rewards speed, control, and aggressive skiing.

For Kauf, a World Champion in the discipline, this is a huge opportunity. She has already qualified for the Milan Cortina Games, marking her third Olympic appearance. The momentum from her dominant 2024-25 season suggests she is primed to upgrade her 2022 Beijing silver medal to gold.

Ultimately, her focus on fun, team, and love for the sport is her secret weapon. As she looks ahead to the 2026 Olympics, her goal remains simple: to ski 100%, attack the course, and fully Deliver The Love. It is this unwavering passion that will undoubtedly propel her toward the top step of the podium.