Anthony bounces back to win historic Dual Moguls gold

There was redemption for Jakara Anthony (AUS) at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 as she beat Jaelin Kauf (USA) in the big final to win Women’s Dual Moguls gold on Saturday.

Elizabeth Lemley (USA) completed the historic podium as Dual Moguls made its Olympic debut, pipping Perrine Laffont (FRA) to bronze.

Anthony entered Saturday’s semi-finals as the only athlete that was not on the Women’s Moguls podium on 11 February despite topping qualification and Final 1. But she made the most of her second chance at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, breezing through the rounds then outclassing Kauf.

Both big finalists went for similar jumps — cork 7s on the top air and backflips on the bottom air — but Anthony was superior in speed, crossing the finish line first and outscoring Kauf 20-15.

"I'm lucky to be so well-supported and we were able to reset and look forward to what it is we can do in duals," added the two-time Dual Moguls Crystal Globe winner.

"This is actually only my second duals event in about two-and-a-half years because I was out injured all last season and missed a lot of dual events this season. I was rolling with a lot of unknowns heading into this competition and we were able to work out a plan and follow that and roll with the punches a little bit, and we got it done."

It was Kauf’s second silver of these Games.

In the first semi-final, Milano Cortina 2026 Moguls bronze medalist Laffont went off course before Kauf fell, the 2024/25 Dual Moguls Crystal Globe winner picking herself up to complete her run.

The second semi-final was a battle between the most recent Women’s Olympic Moguls champions, Beijing 2022 gold medalist Anthony taking on newly minted Milano Cortina 2026 winner Lemley.

Lemley crashed heavily in difficult weather conditions, lost a ski, and did not finish but dusted herself off for the small final and edged it 18-17 despite finishing behind Laffont.

As the scores were revealed, Lemley’s face lit up with surprise when she realized she earned her second medal at her first Olympic appearance.