The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have taken an exhilarating turn for Canada, with freestyle skiing sensation Mikaël Kingsbury securing the nation’s first gold medal, complemented by a commanding performance from the men’s hockey team. As the Games progress, the Canadian contingent is starting to make its mark amidst fierce international competition.
Kingsbury’s Historic Gold
After a challenging start to the Games, Canada finally celebrated its first gold medal, courtesy of Mikaël Kingsbury. The mogul skiing maestro from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, triumphed over Japan’s Ikuma Horishima in the men’s dual moguls final, marking a significant milestone as it was the sport’s debut at the Olympic level. Kingsbury’s victory is especially poignant, as the 33-year-old has announced this will be his final Olympic appearance, adding a bittersweet note to his illustrious career. Prior to this moment, Canada had been grappling with three silver and five bronze medals, trailing behind 19 nations, including Brazil, in the overall medal standings.
Kingsbury’s performance not only highlights his exceptional skill but also serves as a catalyst for the Canadian team, who are eager to build momentum as the Games continue.
Hockey Team Dominates France
In a display of sheer prowess, Canada’s men’s hockey team secured a place in the quarterfinals with an emphatic 10-2 victory against France. Stars Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini, and Mark Stone each racked up three points, demonstrating the depth and talent of the Canadian squad.
While some may question the sportsmanship of such a decisive win, the Canadians had strategic motives behind their aggressive play. Already guaranteed a quarterfinal spot as winners of Group A, they aimed to boost their goal differential in preparation for potential tie situations. Ending the group stage with a plus-17 goal differential, Canada is set to face the victor of the Czech Republic versus Denmark match in the next round.
In parallel hockey action, the United States triumphed over Germany with a score of 5-1, setting up an intriguing matchup against the winner of the Sweden-Latvia game.
Pairs Skating Update
In the world of figure skating, Canadian pairs skaters Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud are making waves as they enter the free skate event in third place after a solid short programme. Their performance comes with notable pressure, especially following the struggles of former world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, who currently sit in 14th place after a tumble derailed their routine. Stellato-Dudek’s earlier withdrawal from the team event due to a training injury adds to the narrative, making Pereira and Michaud’s pursuit of a podium finish even more significant.
Italy and Norway Shine
As the Games progress, host nation Italy is enjoying a remarkable showing, currently sitting second in the overall medal table with a total of 22 medals, including eight golds. This marks a historic performance for Italy, surpassing its previous best at Winter Games.
Norway continues to lead the medal tally with an impressive 26 medals, 12 of which are gold. A significant contributor to this success is cross-country skiing star Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who recently secured his fourth gold medal in the 4×7.5-kilometre relay. With this achievement, Klaebo has now amassed a record nine Olympic golds, surpassing legends such as Marit Bjørgen and Bjorn Dæhlie.
Why it Matters
Canada’s emerging success in Milan-Cortina is not only a source of national pride but also a testament to the country’s resilience in the face of adversity. With Kingsbury’s gold and the hockey team’s formidable performance, Canada is poised to inspire a generation of athletes while reminding the world of its prowess in winter sports. As the Games progress, the focus will be on whether this momentum can be sustained, elevating Canada in the medal standings and solidifying its status as a winter sports powerhouse on the international stage.
