LIVIGNO, Italy – The United States secured gold in the inaugural Olympic mixed team aerials competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, while China claimed the bronze medal after a challenging final round. The event, held in Genting Snow Park, Zhangjiakou, marked the first time a mixed team freestyle skiing event has been featured at the Games.
The American team of Ashley Caldwell, Christopher Lillis, and Justin Schoenefeld delivered a dominant performance, culminating in a final score of 338.34. Their victory underscores the growing strength of the U.S. Program in aerials, a discipline where consistency and precision are paramount. The team’s combined score of 330.55 in the first final round set the stage for their eventual triumph.
China, represented by Xu Mengtao, Jia Zongyang, and Qi Guangpu, finished with the bronze medal. While the Chinese team entered the competition as strong favorites – having won both mixed team events at the 2021-22 FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup – they faced stiff competition and ultimately fell short of gold. Their final score of 324.22 reflected the pressure of performing on home snow and the high level of skill displayed by their rivals.
Canada rounded out the podium, earning the silver medal with a team comprised of Marion Thénault, Miha Fontaine, and Lewis Irving. Their performance demonstrated the increasing depth of talent in the Canadian freestyle skiing program.
The mixed team aerials event requires a unique blend of individual skill and team synergy. Each team consists of at least one male and one female athlete, adding a layer of strategic complexity to the competition. The format demands that athletes execute challenging jumps with precision and grace, while also coordinating their routines to maximize their overall score.
Xu Mengtao, a veteran of the Chinese team, reportedly aimed for high difficulty in her jumps, stating, I just want to do difficult moves so I don’t have to look at anyone else’s face.
This sentiment highlights the intense competitive spirit and the pressure felt by athletes at the Olympic level.
The 2022 Winter Olympics saw a relatively small field of competitors, with 18 athletes from six nations participating. Only six teams qualified for the event, underscoring the specialized nature of aerials and the challenges of building a competitive team. Qualification required countries to have at least three athletes – with a minimum of one man and one woman – meeting specific criteria.
The success of the mixed team aerials event at the 2022 Games has solidified its place in the Olympic program. The event’s dynamic format and compelling storylines have resonated with fans, and This proves expected to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come. The 2026 Games will build on the foundation laid in Beijing, promising even greater competition and excitement.
Qi Guangpu of China won the men’s aerials competition held on February 15th and 16th, also at Genting Snow Park, securing his first Olympic gold medal. Oleksandr Abramenko of Ukraine took silver, and Ilya Burov of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) earned bronze. The men’s event, like the mixed team competition, showcased the athleticism and technical skill of the world’s top aerialists.
Prior to the 2022 Olympics, China had demonstrated dominance in mixed team aerials at the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup, winning both events held in the 2021-22 season. Russia and the United States had also shown strong performances, consistently ranking among the top teams. Russia was the 2021 world champion in the discipline, with Switzerland and the United States finishing as silver and bronze medalists, respectively.
The addition of mixed team aerials to the Olympic program represents a broader trend towards gender equality and inclusivity in sports. By combining the talents of male and female athletes, the event offers a unique and compelling spectacle that appeals to a wide audience. The success of the event in Beijing suggests that it will become a mainstay of the Winter Olympics for years to come.
The U.S. Team’s victory in the mixed team aerials is a testament to their dedication, training, and teamwork. Their performance sets a high standard for future competitions and demonstrates the potential for continued success in this exciting discipline. The Chinese team, despite falling short of gold, remains a formidable force in aerials and will undoubtedly be a contender for medals at future Olympic Games.
