At the Milan Cortina Olympics, Canadian moguls ace Mikael Kingsbury showcased his prowess in the qualifying rounds, securing a place in the next stage of competition. The reigning world champion, Ikuma Horishima from Japan, led the charge in qualification with an impressive score of 85.42 at the Livigno Aerials and Moguls Park. Following him were Quebec City’s Julien Viel in second with a score of 79.56 and Kingsbury close behind in third at 79.11. Elliot Vaillancourt from Drummondville rounded out the top contenders in 16th place at 73.48.
Kingsbury’s Calm Approach
Kingsbury remained unfazed by Horishima’s performance, which pushed him out of the top spot. Expressing his mindset in French, he stated, “Ikuma does his things. He raced like a final today, but the Olympic Games won’t be won today. He does what he wants, but I like the scenario that is building up.” The seasoned athlete from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, is competing in his fourth Olympics, looking to add to his impressive medal collection that includes one gold from Pyeongchang in 2018 and two silvers from Sochi in 2014 and Beijing in 2022.
In a compelling display of confidence, Kingsbury remarked, “Mission accomplished. Not my best but we’re through… The good part is I can go faster. I can improve my skiing and I can upgrade my two jumps.” His focus on improvement rather than solely on results highlights his determination and competitive spirit.
The Road Ahead
The top ten competitors from Tuesday’s qualification will move directly to Final 1, with an additional chance for others through a second round of qualifications. The excitement continues as the women’s qualifying round is set for Wednesday, followed by the men’s final on Thursday.
Viel, who narrowly missed qualifying for the Beijing Games, expressed satisfaction with his run but acknowledged room for growth. “Not during the training, not at the top of the course, but this morning a little bit in the bus coming here, the energy was going down,” he recalled. “But once I got on my skis, it was good.” His performance reflects the pressure many athletes face on such a grand stage.
Vaillancourt, another first-time Olympian, was the first man to tackle the course. While he felt he had more to offer, he still found contentment in his performance. “I’m pretty happy with what I did,” he stated, underscoring the mix of excitement and pressure that comes with Olympic competition.
Kingsbury’s Legacy and Future Goals
Kingsbury, who now has his 18-month-old son Henrik accompanying him, aims to enjoy the experience of competing in Italy. He reflected on his past achievements, saying, “I’ve won the Olympics. I’ll be Olympic champion for the rest of my life. Right now I’ve just got to look at it like I have the opportunity to do it again.”
As the first male moguls skier to secure three Olympic medals, Kingsbury also boasts an impressive record of nine world championships and 29 Crystal Globes. With dual moguls making its Olympic debut, Kingsbury stands poised for another shot at glory.
The course itself has been praised for its challenging design, featuring a length of 245 metres and a steep 28-degree gradient. “It’s fun because it’s not that easy. It’s not too straightforward,” Kingsbury noted, recognising the potential for athletes to distinguish themselves in a challenging environment. Viel echoed his sentiments, stating, “The course is long, tough and good for a technical skier like me.”
Why it Matters
Kingsbury’s journey at the Milan Cortina Olympics encapsulates the blend of experience, determination, and excitement that characterises elite-level competition. As the Canadian moguls team continues to advance, their performances not only highlight individual talent but also represent a nation’s hopes for Olympic success. With 11 previous Olympic medals in moguls, including six golds, the stakes are high as Canada looks to further cement its legacy in winter sports on this global stage. The upcoming rounds promise to be thrilling as Kingsbury and his teammates push for more podium finishes.
