Elizabeth Lemley Bio, Age, Height, Olympic Gold Medal, Pilot License, Career, Net Worth, Family
Elizabeth Lemley has soared to Olympic glory—both literally and figuratively. The 20-year-old freestyle skier from Vail, Colorado, who earned her pilot’s license at age 17, flew to the top of the podium at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, capturing gold in women’s moguls and leading a historic American 1-2 finish with teammate jaelin kauf. In a stunning upset over defending champion Jakara Anthony of Australia, Lemley proved that her combination of technical precision, aerial daring, and competitive composure could conquer the world’s best on the biggest stage, cementing her status as the new queen of moguls skiing.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Elizabeth Lemley |
| Nickname | Liz |
| Profession | Professional Freestyle Skier (Moguls Specialist) |
| Birth Date | January 22, 2006 |
| Age | 20 years old |
| Birth Place | Vail, Colorado, USA |
| Hometown | Vail, Colorado |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | 2026 Olympic Gold Medalist (Women’s Moguls), 2024 Youth Olympic Double Gold Medalist, Licensed Pilot |
| Ethnicity | Not publicly specified |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | Oberlin College (attending) |
| Religion | Not publicly specified |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Parents | Father (pilot, name not publicly disclosed), Mother (name not publicly disclosed) |
| Siblings | Brother (name not publicly disclosed) |
| Residence | Vail, Colorado |
| Current Work | 2026 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist, Professional Moguls Skier |
| Years Active | 2021–Present (World Cup), 2022–Present (U.S. Ski Team) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed (estimated $500K–$1M) |
| Coached By | John Dowling (private coach since 2024) |
| Club | Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV) |
| Olympic Gold | Women’s Moguls, Milano Cortina 2026 (Score: 82.30) |
| Other Titles | 2024 Youth Olympic Champion (Dual Moguls & Team), 2022 Junior World Champion |
Early Life & Family Background
Born to Fly
Elizabeth “Liz” Lemley was born on January 22, 2006, in Vail, Colorado, one of America’s premier ski destinations. Her path to Olympic gold began with her father’s passion for both aviation and winter sports.
The 2002 Olympics Inspiration:
Lemley’s father discovered moguls skiing while watching the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Captivated by the sport’s combination of speed, technical skill, and aerial acrobatics, he decided to introduce his children to moguls skiing. As Liz recalls:
“It was my dad’s idea. After college, he watched the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He was really inspired by moguls and he wanted to get me and my brother into mogul skiing. So we started skiing really early and got in the moguls programme.”
Early Start:
- 9 months old: Started skiing (barely walking)
- Age 9: Performed her first flips on skis
- Grew up flying: Father is a pilot with his own plane; Liz has been flying in his aircraft “most of my life”
The Pilot’s Daughter
Following in her father’s footsteps, Lemley developed a passion for aviation that rivals her love of skiing:
Aviation Achievements:
- Age 17: Earned pilot’s license to fly four-seaters and prop planes
- Flight experience: Grew up in the cockpit with her father
- Future aspirations: Hopes to join the Air Force and SpaceX
- Dream: “I’d love to fly a fighter jet” and “an aerobatic plane, to really fly and do a lot of aerobatics”
The technical precision and discipline required for piloting directly translate to her skiing, where split-second decisions and complete focus mean the difference between victory and disaster.
Skiing Career Journey
Early Competitive Success (2021–2022)
World Cup Debut:
- January 2022: Made FIS World Cup debut at age 15 in Tremblant, Canada
- Result: 4th place—one of the youngest competitors on the circuit
- Notable: Performed a cork 720 to cork grab in her debut, immediately establishing her aerial prowess
2022 Accolades:
- 2022 FIS World Cup Rookie of the Year
- 2022 Junior World Championships (Chiesa in Valmalenco, Italy):
- Gold medal: Moguls
- Silver medal: Dual moguls
Rising Star (2022–2024)
First World Cup Victory:
- December 11, 2022: Won her first career World Cup event in dual moguls at Idre Fjäll, Sweden
- Significance: Victory came in just her 10th career World Cup start
- Defeated: Olympic champion Jakara Anthony (semifinals) and Japan’s Anri Kawamura (final)
2022–23 Season:
- Three podium finishes
- 5th place overall World Cup standings
- First individual moguls podium: 3rd place at Alpe d’Huez, France
2023 World Championships (Bakuriani, Georgia):
- 5th place: Dual moguls
- 6th place: Moguls
- Two top-10 finishes at age 17
Youth Olympic Dominance (2024)
At the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea, Lemley captured double gold medals:
| Event | Result | Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Team Dual Moguls | Gold | Porter Huff (USA) |
| Individual Dual Moguls | Gold | — |
Final Victory: Defeated Australia’s Lottie Lodge in the individual dual moguls final
Injury Setback & Comeback (2024–2025)
The Injury:
- 2024–25 season: Missed entire FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
- Recovery: Extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy
The Comeback:
- 2025–26 season: Returned stronger than ever
- Opening World Cup: 2nd place in dual moguls at Val St. Côme, Canada (behind Jaelin Kauf)
- Pre-Olympic form: Multiple podium finishes leading into Milano Cortina
The 2026 Winter Olympics: Olympic Gold
Road to the Games
January 2026: Named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Freestyle Moguls Team—her first Olympic appearance at age 20.
Qualification (February 10, 2026):
- Finished 2nd place with score of 80.95
- Advanced to finals as top contender
The Historic Final (February 11, 2026)
The women’s moguls final at Livigno, Italy, delivered one of the most dramatic competitions in Olympic freestyle skiing history:
The Format:
- 20 athletes → narrowed to 8 (first final)
- 8 athletes → narrowed to 4 (second final)
- 4 athletes → super final for medals
The Competition:
| Athlete | Country | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Lemley | USA | 82.30 | GOLD |
| Jaelin Kauf | USA | 80.77 | SILVER |
| Perrine Laffont | France | 78.00 | Bronze |
| Jakara Anthony | Australia | 8th (final) | Defending champion, fell |
The Upset:
Defending Olympic champion Jakara Anthony (Australia), who had dominated qualifying and the first final, was last to ski in the super final. After a solid start, she lost control after her first jump, stumbled, and finished 8th—handing the gold to Lemley.
Lemley’s Reaction:
“[This] symbolizes all of my hard work and all of my family’s and my trainers’ and anyone who supported me. Right before I drop in, I always say ‘let’s go,’ and it hypes me up.”
“My teammates are my family, and I couldn’t have done any of this without them. They’re the best. I love [Jaelin], and to share it is so special to me.”
Historic Achievement
The Lemley-Kauf 1-2 finish marked:
- First U.S. 1-2 finish in a women’s freestyle skiing event in Olympic history
- First American gold in women’s moguls since Hannah Kearney (2010)
- Youngest U.S. moguls gold medalist in history (age 20)
Personal Life & Interests
Education
Oberlin College: Currently attending while competing professionally
Pre-Competition Rituals
Breakfast: Always eats apple cinnamon oatmeal before competitions
Other Interests
| Interest | Details |
|---|---|
| Skateboarding | Enjoys skating when not skiing |
| Cycling | Avid cross-country biker |
| Flying | Licensed pilot, flies four-seaters and prop planes |
| Dream Dog | German Shepherd named Mushu |
Personality & Mindset
Lemley is known for her:
- Competitive composure: “Most naturally composed” athlete her coach has worked with
- Technical precision: Analytical approach to skiing
- Aerial fearlessness: Willingness to attempt difficult tricks under pressure
- Team mentality: Close bonds with U.S. teammates
Quote on Competition:
“The people I compete with influence me the most because they always help push me to the top.”
Coaching & Training
John Dowling Partnership (2024–Present)
In 2024, Lemley made a significant coaching change, hiring John Dowling as her private coach:
Dowling’s Background:
- Former Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV) moguls program director
- Coached numerous Olympians
- Took two-year sabbatical from SSCV to focus on Lemley’s Olympic preparation
Training Philosophy:
- Emphasized aerial development—Lemley’s natural strength
- Implemented cork 7 mute (matching Jakara Anthony’s signature trick)
- Working on 1080 for future competitions
- Three-day training cycles: skiing mornings, plyometrics/weights/circuits afternoons
Dowling on Lemley:
“She’s kind of always been a step ahead of the game… the combination of the talent and the competitive ability … she’s built for it.”
Career Statistics
World Cup Results
| Season | Overall Standing | Notable Results |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 10th | 2022 Rookie of the Year; 4th in debut |
| 2022–23 | 5th | 1st career win (Idre Fjäll); 3 podiums |
| 2023–24 | 10th | 2 podiums; double gold at Youth Olympics |
| 2024–25 | — | Missed season (ACL injury) |
| 2025–26 | 4th (pre-Olympics) | 2nd place opener; Olympic gold |
Major Championships
| Year | Competition | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Junior World Championships | Moguls | Gold |
| 2022 | Junior World Championships | Dual Moguls | Silver |
| 2023 | World Championships | Moguls | 6th |
| 2023 | World Championships | Dual Moguls | 5th |
| 2024 | Youth Olympic Games | Dual Moguls | Gold |
| 2024 | Youth Olympic Games | Team Dual Moguls | Gold |
| 2026 | Winter Olympics | Moguls | GOLD |
Signature Tricks
- Cork 720 to cork grab (debut signature)
- Cork 7 mute (developed 2024-25)
- Flat spin with Japan grab (for dual moguls)
- Working on 1080 (future competition)
Net Worth & Financial Status
As of 2026, Elizabeth Lemley’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, estimated figures based on her career trajectory:
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| U.S. Ski Team Stipend | $50,000–$100,000/year |
| World Cup Prize Money | Variable ($5,000–$30,000 per event) |
| Olympic Gold Medal Bonuses | $37,500 (USOC bonus) + potential endorsements |
| Sponsorships | Growing portfolio post-Olympics |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $500,000–$1,000,000 |
Post-Olympic Potential:
- Endorsement deals likely to increase significantly
- Speaking engagements and appearances
- Potential coaching/clinic income
Interesting Facts
- Youngest Pilot: Earned pilot’s license at 17—before she could legally buy alcohol or vote in some jurisdictions
- 9-Month-Old Skier: Started skiing before she could walk properly
- Family Connection to 2002 Olympics: Her father’s inspiration from Salt Lake City 2002 came full circle with her 2026 gold
- Rapid Rise: Went from World Cup debut (2022) to Olympic gold (2026) in just 4 years
- Injury Comeback: Won Olympic gold less than 2 years after major ACL injury
- First-Time Olympian: Never competed at Olympics before winning gold
- Youth to Senior Success: One of few athletes to win Youth Olympic gold and Olympic gold in consecutive Games
- Aerial Pioneer: Among few women attempting 1080 in moguls competition
- Vail Legacy: Joins long list of SSCV-produced Olympians; half of 2018 U.S. moguls team was from Vail
- Space Dreams: Wants to join SpaceX—potentially first Olympic gold medalist in space?
Quotes
“[This gold medal] symbolizes all of my hard work and all of my family’s and my trainers’ and anyone who supported me.”
“Right before I drop in, I always say ‘let’s go,’ and it hypes me up.”
“My teammates are my family, and I couldn’t have done any of this without them.”
“I’d love to fly a fighter jet… I think my dream would be [to fly] an aerobatic plane, to really fly and do a lot of aerobatics.”
“The people I compete with influence me the most because they always help push me to the top.”
“Moguls is about having the confidence to keep going, and being in the right mental state. You can do anything when you believe you can.”
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @elizabethlemley / @lizlemley
- U.S. Ski & Snowboard: Profile
- Team USA: Profile
- FIS: International Ski Federation Profile
- Olympics.com: Milano Cortina 2026 Profile
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Elizabeth Lemley?
Elizabeth Lemley was born on January 22, 2006, making her 20 years old years old as of 2026. She won Olympic gold at age 20.
Where is Elizabeth Lemley from?
Elizabeth Lemley is from Vail, Colorado, USA. She grew up skiing at the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV).
What did Elizabeth Lemley win at the 2026 Olympics?
Elizabeth Lemley won the gold medal in women’s moguls at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics with a score of 82.30, leading a historic 1-2 American finish with Jaelin Kauf (silver).
Does Elizabeth Lemley have a pilot’s license?
Yes, Elizabeth Lemley earned her pilot’s license at age 17 to fly four-seaters and prop planes, following in her father’s footsteps. She grew up flying in her father’s plane.
What is Elizabeth Lemley’s connection to aviation?
Lemley’s father is a pilot who inspired her skiing career after watching the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. She earned her own pilot’s license at 17 and hopes to join the Air Force and SpaceX.
What was Elizabeth Lemley’s path to Olympic gold?
Lemley made her World Cup debut at 15 (2022), won 2022 Junior World Championships, earned 2024 Youth Olympic double gold, missed the 2024-25 season with an ACL injury, then won 2026 Olympic gold in her first Olympic appearance.
Who coaches Elizabeth Lemley?
Since 2024, Elizabeth Lemley has been coached by John Dowling, who took a sabbatical from his position as SSCV moguls program director to focus on her Olympic preparation.
What are Elizabeth Lemley’s future goals?
Beyond skiing, Lemley hopes to join the Air Force and SpaceX, and dreams of flying fighter jets and aerobatic planes. She is also working on landing a 1080 trick in competition.
Did Elizabeth Lemley beat Jakara Anthony?
Yes, Lemley upset defending Olympic champion Jakara Anthony of Australia to win 2026 Olympic gold. Anthony fell during her final run, finishing 8th.
What college does Elizabeth Lemley attend?
Elizabeth Lemley attends Oberlin College while competing professionally in freestyle skiing.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Lemley’s journey from a 9-month-old on skis to Olympic gold medalist embodies the American dream of athletic excellence. Her unique combination of aerial daring, technical precision, and competitive composure—honed through years of training and a remarkable comeback from ACL injury—propelled her to the top of the podium in Milano Cortina.
But Lemley is more than just a skier. As a licensed pilot with dreams of joining the Air Force and SpaceX, she represents a new generation of multi-talented athletes who refuse to be defined by a single sport. Her father’s inspiration from the 2002 Olympics has come full circle, with Liz now inspiring the next generation of young skiers.
The image of Lemley and Kauf celebrating their historic 1-2 finish—two American women atop the Olympic podium—will endure as one of the defining moments of the 2026 Winter Games. For Elizabeth Lemley, the sky is literally the limit.
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