RUKA, Finland — Jaelin Kauf, 24 of Alta, Wyoming, led the U.S Ski team with a second-place podium finish on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the FIS Moguls World Cup, in Ruka Finland.
This is Kauf’s best opener result yet. “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 with 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.
Kauf shared the podium with France’s Perrine Laffont, who earned the win, and Russia’s Anastasiia Smironva, who came in third. Three other American women qualified for finals along with Kauf including, Kai Owens, Hannah Soar, and Tess Johnson. Owens finished sixth, Soar placed fifth, and Johnson ended the night in tenth. Moguls heads to IdreFjäll, Sweden for two events, Moguls and Dual Moguls, Dec. 12 and 13.
Kauf qualified and competed in the 2018 Olympics. She grew up in Alta Wyoming where she skiied at Grand Targhee Resort. She was featured in the Warren Miller movie, “Timeless” in 2019.