LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025-26 FIS Aerials World Cup season, Kaila Kuhn of Park City, Utah, claimed her first World Cup victory on Monday at the Stifel Lake Placid Freestyle Cup presented by iHeartRadio. This achievement comes on the heels of a challenging decision by Deer Valley Resort, which had hosted the World Cup event for decades but had to relocate the competition due to unseasonably warm weather and a lack of snow. Lake Placid stepped in as a last-minute host, marking a significant shift for athletes accustomed to the slopes of Park City. Kuhn, a student at the University of Utah and a Michigan native, showcased her exceptional skills in what turned out to be a cold and blustery day in Lake Placid. The event not only served as the final competition of the season but also presented a crucial opportunity for athletes to qualify for Team USA ahead of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games. The stakes were high as competitors vied not only for individual glory but also for the coveted World Cup crystal globe awarded to the season's overall champion. On the first day of competition, Kuhn put herself in a strong position by finishing third in the individual aerials event, setting the stage for her incredible performance the following day. During the qualification round, Kuhn led the women's field with a lay-full-full, securing her spot in the finals while her teammate Kyra Dossa also advanced, finishing within the top 12. Kuhn's impressive jump saw her soaring nearly 55-60 feet into the air, demonstrating the incredible athleticism and skill required for aerial skiing. The men's competition, however, did not see any American athletes advance to the finals, with several strong competitors, including Derek Krueger and Chris Lillis, falling short of the mark. As the competition progressed into the finals, the top 12 women faced two jumps, with only six advancing to the second round. Kuhn's first jump placed her in fourth position, but she quickly turned up the intensity with a full-full-full in her second attempt, securing the win with the highest-scoring jump of the round. Reflecting on her historic victory, Kuhn expressed her exhilaration in an interview with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, stating, “It’s pretty indescribable. There is no better place where I would want to get my first World Cup win. Ending the season with a win, especially going into the Olympics, is a huge confidence boost.” This victory not only solidifies her place in the competitive aerials scene but also serves as a significant mental advantage as she prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games in February. With Kuhn’s achievement, she finishes the World Cup season in an impressive third place in the overall standings, a remarkable feat for an athlete still in the early stages of her career. Although the 2025-26 FIS Aerials World Cup has concluded, the journey for these athletes continues as they prepare to represent Team USA in Livigno, Italy, where the Olympic aerials competition will take place. As the season wraps up, the challenges faced by Deer Valley Resort serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of weather in winter sports. The annual World Cup events have historically drawn large crowds and showcased the best talents in the sport, but this year’s relocation to Lake Placid underscores the need for adaptability in the face of changing climate conditions. The moguls segment of the World Cup, which also moved from Deer Valley, is set to take place in New Hampshire this weekend, allowing athletes another chance to compete on the national stage. Kuhn's victory at Lake Placid not only highlights her personal achievements but also adds to the rich history of freestyle skiing in the United States. As she steps onto the Olympic stage, fans and fellow competitors alike will be watching closely to see how she builds on this momentum. For Kuhn, this win is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career ahead in freestyle skiing, with the potential for even greater accomplishments on the horizon.