Kuhn Fourth, Lillis Sixth in Livigno; Schoenwald Named FIS Rookie of the Year
The best aerials athletes in the World wrapped up the 2024-25 World Cup season with the World Cup finals in Livigno, which also served as the test event for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Kaila Kuhn led the way for the U.S., finishing in fourth place, her best result of the season, and landing her first triple in competition.
The weather in Northern Italy was once again a challenge, as the day went from sun to clouds to snow, along with drastic fluctuations in wind. Many athletes, including some of the best in the World, struggled with landings throughout the day due to these weather conditions. Guangpu Qi, who had already secured the FIS Crystal Globe, took a hard fall during the qualification round, finishing 16th.
The qualifications were successful for the U.S., however, with five Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes advancing to the round of 12. Quinn Dehlinger led the way for the Americans, qualifying in fourth place. Connor Curran qualified sixth, and Chris Lillis finished ninth. On the women’s side, Kuhn qualified in sixth place, and Kyra Dossa qualified in eighth. Dani Loeb finished the day 17th, and Tasia Tanner in 19th.
In the round of 12, Kuhn achieved the feat she had been working towards all season, landing her first triple in competition. Kuhn threw a back lay tuck full, scoring 88.29 to advance to the super finals in fourth place. Dossa finished the day 10th overall. On the men’s side, Lillis threw a back double full full full, aka the daddy. He was able to squeak into the super finals in sixth place. Dehlinger and Curran ran into some trouble in round 12, finishing 10th and 11th, respectively.
Chris Lillis dropped first in the super finals and threw a back full double full full. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to execute on the landing. Lillis ended in sixth place. In the women’s super finals, Kuhn threw a back lay full full, upping her difficulty from finals. Despite her beautiful air, Kuhn struggled with the landing. She earned a score of 78.94, finishing the day fourth place. This is the best result she has had so far this season.
To wrap up the day, FIS awarded their end-of-season honors, including the FIS Rookie of the Year Award, which was given to Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ian Schoenwald following his seventh-place result in Almaty and his all-around character.
Next, the moguls and aerials athletes will compete in the 2025 FIS Freestyle World Championships in St. Moritz/Engadin, Switzerland, from March 18 to 30.
