Pittsford Skier Returns to Olympics After 2022 Gold

When Chris Lillis was just 14 years old, he scribbled a bold prediction on a sticky note: he would win gold at the 2022 Olympics performing specific aerial skiing tricks. Eight years later, he did exactly that, executing the precise moves he'd written down as a teenager.

The Pittsford native has already qualified for Team USA's aerial freestyle skiing team at the 2026 Milan and Cortina Winter Olympics. His parents, Jamie and Bernie Lillis, are preparing to cheer him on in person this time after watching his 2022 gold medal performance from home due to pandemic restrictions.

Chris moved away at age 13 to train for his Olympic dreams, inspired by his older brother Jon, who is also an Olympian. The sacrifice paid off when he made history in 2016 as the youngest man to win the FIS Aerials World Cup at just 17 years old.

While most high school students were going to prom, Chris was traveling the world competing. His parents say their home office is filled with medals and photos showcasing both sons' achievements.

After winning gold in Beijing, Chris visited his mom's school to show students his medal and share his journey. His father Bernie notes that Chris still gives away his old sponsored skiing gear to young athletes at Bristol Mountain, where his career began.

Why This Inspires

The sticky note Chris wrote as a teenager wasn't just wishful thinking. It was a roadmap he followed with dedication and precision for eight years. His parents watched him make countless sacrifices to reach his goals, and the Olympic gold medal became what Jamie calls "icing on the cake."

This time around, Chris will get the full Olympic experience he missed in 2022. COVID restrictions meant he had to compete and leave Beijing immediately afterward, missing the chance to mingle with other athletes and attend the closing ceremony.

The 2026 Games in Italy will be different. Chris can finally celebrate alongside fellow Olympians and soak in the experience he worked his entire young life to achieve.

From a determined 14-year-old with a sticky note to a gold medalist heading to his second Olympics, Chris Lillis proves that writing down your dreams is just the first step toward making them real.