At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA achieved a surprising bronze medal in the women's alpine skiing team combined event thanks to the performances of Jacqueline Wiles and Paula Moltzan. Wiles tackled the downhill portion of the race with a time of 1:37.04, while Moltzan completed the slalom in 44.87 seconds. Their efforts placed them on the podium behind Austria, which won gold, and Germany, taking silver.

The results were notable as many expected the American duo of Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson to secure at least a bronze medal, especially given Shiffrin's established reputation in the World Cup circuit and Johnson's recent gold in downhill. However, Wiles and Moltzan disrupted those expectations by performing exceptionally well, allowing them to finish strong against tough competition from Austria and Germany.

This outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of Olympic competitions, where emerging athletes can steal the spotlight from seasoned favorites. Wiles and Moltzan’s achievement not only adds a bronze medal to the USA's tally but also sets a precedent for future Olympic events, showcasing that with determination and skill, up-and-coming athletes can achieve remarkable success on the world stage.