LIVIGNO, Italy — Mikaël Kingsbury etched his name further into freestyle skiing history on Sunday, securing Olympic gold in the debut of men’s dual moguls at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The victory marks Canada’s first gold medal at these Games and the fifth Olympic medal of Kingsbury’s illustrious career. The 33-year-old from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, defeated Japan’s Ikuma Horishima with a decisive 31-4 score in the final round, capping off a remarkable performance.
This gold adds to Kingsbury’s already impressive Olympic collection, which includes a gold medal in individual moguls at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and three silver medals. The dual moguls event, a head-to-head competition down a mogul course, presented a novel challenge for the seasoned skier, and he rose to the occasion. Australia’s Matt Graham rounded out the podium with the bronze medal. Kingsbury’s win is particularly poignant as he had previously indicated these would be his final Olympic Games.
A Final Run to Remember
Kingsbury’s path to gold wasn’t without its challenges at these Games. He had to settle for silver in the traditional moguls event on Thursday, losing a tiebreaker to Australia’s Cooper Woods. Though, he channeled that experience into a dominant performance in the dual moguls format. Unlike the individual event, where skiers are judged on their turns, air, and speed, dual moguls pits two skiers against each other simultaneously, with the faster, more technically proficient skier advancing.
“I gave everything, I had no regrets. I didn’t feel too nervous. I trusted my plan, I trusted the work that I put in with my team and just went for it. I’m really happy with the outcome,” Kingsbury said after the race. He described the victory as “the cherry on top” of his career. “It wasn’t easy today. We had good conditions but the piste (path) was not easy. But I just trusted my years of experience and the work of my team. I gave it my all, everything I had in my body, to go for this medal.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Kingsbury’s gold medal win solidifies his status as the most decorated freestyle skier in history, boasting an astounding 100 career World Cup wins. He was also honored as one of Canada’s flag-bearers during the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Games, a testament to his impact on the nation’s sporting landscape.
The dual moguls format proved to be a thrilling addition to the Olympic program, and Kingsbury’s victory undoubtedly elevated its profile. He acknowledged the significance of the moment, tapping his gold medal against the Maple Leaf logo on his jacket after stepping onto the podium. “I gave everything, this is extra special,” Kingsbury said. “I’m the oldest guy in the field. They keep me young in what I do, I love skiing. I’m exceptionally proud of myself.”
What’s Next for Freestyle Skiing?
With Kingsbury’s retirement from Olympic competition, a new generation of freestyle skiers will have the opportunity to step into the spotlight. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future athletes to push the boundaries of the sport. The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue, with competitions scheduled across a variety of disciplines. Fans can stay updated on the latest results and schedules through official Olympic channels.
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