LIVIGNO, Italy – Mikaël Kingsbury etched his name further into Olympic history on Sunday, securing Canada’s first gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in the inaugural men’s dual moguls event. The victory marks a triumphant end to Kingsbury’s storied Olympic career, adding to his already impressive collection of four previous Olympic medals. This win also breaks what some Canadians felt was a curse at the games, as the nation had yet to reach the top of the podium.
The 33-year-aged from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, defeated Japan’s Ikuma Horishima in the final, showcasing the skill and consistency that have defined his dominance in moguls skiing. Kingsbury’s performance wasn’t just about winning; it was about overcoming challenges and delivering when it mattered most, especially after taking silver in the individual moguls event earlier in the week. The dual moguls format, a first for the Olympics, saw skiers compete head-to-head, adding a new layer of excitement and strategy to the competition.
A Fairytale Finish for a Moguls Legend
Kingsbury’s journey to gold wasn’t without its hurdles. He previously secured a silver medal on Thursday after a tiebreaker in the moguls event, losing to Australia’s Cooper Woods. Still, he refocused and excelled in the dual moguls, demonstrating his ability to adapt and perform under pressure. “I read online a lot of comments that the Canadians, we were a little cursed here in Italy. I really wanted to break that curse and go get that first (gold) medal for the country,” Kingsbury told CBC Olympics. “I’m very proud. I do this sport for myself first, but I’m very happy to share this with the country I love the most.”
The dual moguls competition saw Kingsbury navigate a challenging course, emphasizing clean runs and speed. He successfully advanced through the 1/16 and 1/8 finals, and received an simple advancement through his quarterfinal when his opponent, Jung Daeyoon of South Korea, was unable to finish. In the semifinals, he defeated Takuya Shimakawa of Japan, who had previously upset Sweden’s Walter Wallberg, the 2022 Olympic moguls champion.
Fifth Olympic Medal Caps Illustrious Career
This gold medal is Kingsbury’s fifth career Winter Games medal – two gold and three silver – across five Olympic appearances. He is the first freestyle skier to achieve this milestone, solidifying his status as the greatest of all time in his discipline. Team Canada highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting it was “fittingly won by the greatest of all time in his discipline.”
The final against Horishima saw the Japanese skier falter on the final jump, allowing Kingsbury to secure the victory. A jubilant Kingsbury celebrated by sliding across the finish line and pounding the snow with his fist, then embraced his partner, Laurence Mongeon, and their young son, Henrik. He later sang “O Canada” atop the podium, a moment he described as fulfilling a childhood dream. “I just remembered the eight-year-old me that (watched) the Olympics for the first time in 2002 and dreamt of being an Olympic champion,” Kingsbury said. “I got to do it in 2018, got close in 2022 again in the singles also. Today, I just gave everything I had. The last energy, the last gasp I had in the tank to go get it.”
Canada’s Medal Count Rises
With this gold medal, Canada’s overall medal count at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics now stands at nine – one gold, three silver, and five bronze. The victory provides a significant boost to the Canadian team’s momentum as the Games continue. Matt Graham of Australia rounded out the podium, taking the bronze medal in the men’s dual moguls event.
Kingsbury’s win is not only a personal triumph but also a source of national pride for Canada. His dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have inspired a generation of athletes and fans. As he potentially embarks on retirement, his legacy as a moguls skiing icon is firmly secured.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue, with athletes from around the world competing for glory. Canada will appear to build on this momentum and add to its medal tally in the days to come. Stay tuned for further updates and highlights from the Games.
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