Patti Kauf, a Wyoming native, shares what it took to raise Olympian Jaelin Kauf, and the strength behind the journey.
What does Jaelin being part of Team USA mean to you personally?
"As a young ski competitor, becoming a member of Team USA is the ultimate goal, which very few are able to achieve. Seeing Jaelin’s commitment day in and day out to make that dream come true still amazes me. Jaelin was never “The One”. As a young skier, she had so many setbacks and heartbreaks along the way, but she never quit on herself.
I remember the day she FaceTimed me and had just received her U.S. Team jacket and put it on… the smile on her face said everything! Representing your country on an international stage is not only an honor, but also a great responsibility.
I have met so many families and people from around the world who follow Jaelin’s career and cheer her on. The character she has developed and the love she shows for the sport, competitors, and her teammates is what stands out to others. I love that she represents what is truly good about our country on a world stage!"
How has living in Wyoming shaped you as a person?
"Living in the small rural town of Alta has been an amazing place to not only raise my children, but for me as an adult to appreciate how important community is. I am blessed to live at the foothills of The Tetons, where recreation and outdoor adventure abounds. But it is also a community built by generational farmers who take care of their land and their neighbors. Giving is more important than taking. Being kind makes a difference, and while many of us come from different backgrounds, what we have in common matters more than our differences. Raising my kids in a place where we are accountable to one another, where responsibility for the land is instilled, and where we all truly care for each other is a gift I treasure."
How do you handle dry skin during harsh winters?
"As an outdoor enthusiast, I spend a great deal of my time in the outdoors and the weather can be very harsh on my skin. I try to keep my skin protected by using a morning serum and a face cream, always applying sunscreen and staying covered when possible. At the end of the day is when my face really needs extra care. I always gently wash my face, use night serum or oil, and finish with barrier cream."
What have been the biggest challenges in raising/being the mom of an Olympic athlete?
"I love this question because one of the things I would like to do is talk to parents, coaches, and sports organizations about “How do you raise an Olympian?” In reality, you do not raise them to be an Olympian. You share with them at a young age the importance of loving what you do. You wipe away the tears that no one else sees. You write them notes about how much you love them and how much you believe in them. You remind them that results and medals are not what matters, but that you will always be there cheering them on and giving hugs when they need them most. The biggest challenges are seeing the disappointment and the heartbreak when no words can make it better. So often, the pressure comes from not only competing, but from being in the spotlight and so much expected of one person. As moms, I think we always want to make it better, but the challenge is to let them find their own strength, learn to pick themselves up, while we quietly wrap them with love from afar."
How do you celebrate Jaelin’s success?
"In all honesty, I think we celebrate Jaelin each time she competes for just going out and giving her all each time she steps into the gate. Jaelin has had a tremendous amount of success, but that only came after so many years of struggles, injuries, and disappointments. I think Jaelin would be the first to tell you that regardless of where she finishes, our family and friends (The J Pack) will be cheering loud and celebrating her as she gives her best. The success I think I celebrate the most is the legacy Jaelin has left on the sport. She has been the top competitor and team leader for 10 years, but it has never been about her. In her success, she has always turned around to bring her teammates up with her, and together they have become the best women’s team in the world!"