As the Milan Winter Olympics begin, American freestyle skier Kai Owens has shared a heartfelt update on her career. At just 21, Owens has dazzled in mogul events, where skiers race down rugged slopes packed with jumps and sharp turns, all while being judged on speed, style, and aerial flair. She burst onto the international scene at 14, making history as the youngest American to claim victory in a NorAm moguls competition.
Her triumph followed years of dedicated training at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, where she quickly became recognized as one of the nation’s most electrifying young talents.
Kai Owens Sends Emotional Announcement
Owens would eventually go on to mark her Olympic debut, competing at the 2022 Beijing Games, where she finished in 10th place in the women’s moguls event. She also made her World Cup debut as the youngest U.S. mogul skier in 2020, winning her first World Cup gold in dual moguls at Deer Valley and earning FIS Rookie of the Year honors.
As the Milan Games got underway, Owens turned to Instagram to announce her retirement, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in her skiing career.
“What a ride. Thank you mogul skiing ❤️I am officially announcing that I will be retiring from professional skiing. Nothing but love and gratitude for this sport and everyone in it. I grew up through mogul skiing and have felt nothing but the utmost support from the entire @usskiteam,” she wrote.
“Although in recent years I’ve struggled with injuries, I wanted to iterate that this was a step I have chosen, not solely because of my physical limitations. I am happy, excited and proud to be stepping away with my head high. And I CAN’T WAIT to cheer on my friends in Italy next week. Thank you everyone for making my dreams come true, forever grateful for you all. Already excited about this new chapter. All the love, Kai,” she added.
Throughout and after the Beijing Games, Owens faced a series of injuries, many from grueling training sessions and the relentless demands of moguls runs. In December 2025, she endured her third knee surgery for ACL and meniscus repair, bravely starting rehabilitation soon after.
Notably, Owens last competed in the 2024-25 season and was actively pursuing her bid to compete in the Milan Games. She competed in several World Cup races, in the moguls and dual moguls events, with her best finishes coming in dual moguls in Almaty (7th), moguls in Deer Valley (6th), and moguls in Val St. Come (6th).
She was also selected for the U.S. Freestyle Ski Development Team for 2024-25, a testament to her talent and perseverance, before her journey was interrupted by knee surgery in 2025.
