As the Winter Olympics approach, Canadian mogul skiing legend Mikaël Kingsbury is gearing up for what he has declared will be his final Olympic appearance at the Milan Cortina Games. The 33-year-old athlete, who has already established his place in the annals of freestyle skiing, is focusing on enjoying the experience rather than chasing additional accolades. With a history of success that includes three Olympic medals and over 100 World Cup victories, Kingsbury’s mindset is refreshingly laid-back as he prepares for the men’s moguls final on February 12 in Livigno.
A Legacy Established
Born in Quebec, Kingsbury has long been considered the greatest of all time in his sport, and he’s not looking to add to that pressure. He recently notched his 100th career World Cup win in Val Saint-Côme, Quebec, and his impressive Olympic résumé includes silver medals from Sochi in 2014 and Beijing in 2022, alongside a gold medal from PyeongChang in 2018. Despite his storied career, Kingsbury asserts that he is more interested in the joy of skiing than accumulating more hardware. “Really, I just want to ski and have fun,” he remarked in a recent interview.
This Olympics serves as a farewell to competitive skiing, and Kingsbury is determined to leave on a high note. With 15 family members and close friends planning to cheer him on in Livigno, the stakes feel even higher. “I want to give them a show to remember,” he noted, emphasizing his competitive spirit remains intact as he heads into his final events.
Facing Fierce Competition
While Kingsbury is focused on enjoyment, he will undoubtedly face stiff competition from rivals, most notably Japan’s Ikuma Horishima. The 28-year-old skier, who won bronze in Beijing and boasts 24 World Cup victories, has often been a thorn in Kingsbury’s side, interrupting his winning streaks on multiple occasions. “I know he can go crazy and he’s capable of doing the 1440,” Kingsbury said, referring to the impressive four-rotation aerial manoeuvre. “If we do our best stuff, it could go either way. I respect him a lot and I know he respects me a lot, too.”
Kingsbury has overcome significant challenges leading up to these Games, including a groin injury that sidelined him for the season-opening World Cup in Ruka, Finland. However, after rigorous rehabilitation, he is feeling fit and ready. “Today, I can ski without pain,” he confirmed, adding that he feels prepared for the competition.
A New Chapter Awaits
As Kingsbury prepares to compete in both moguls and the newly introduced dual moguls event, he is also contemplating life after the Olympics. Having dominated the sport since his debut in 2008, he is eager for the next phase of his career, which will include expanding his ski camps for aspiring mogul skiers in Quebec. “It’s a way to share my skiing knowledge and inspire them,” he remarked, hoping to eventually establish camps worldwide.
Kingsbury is also known for his quirky traditions, including wearing a lucky T-shirt that reads, “It’s Good To Be The King,” beneath his racing gear. He plans to keep this cherished item as a memento of his illustrious career after the Games.
Why it Matters
Mikaël Kingsbury’s final Olympic appearance is not just a farewell to a remarkable career; it signifies a shift in the landscape of Canadian freestyle skiing. His legacy will inspire future generations of athletes, particularly in a sport that requires such grit, determination, and artistry. As he transitions from competition to mentoring, Kingsbury’s influence will undoubtedly shape the future of mogul skiing, ensuring that his passion and expertise continue to resonate within the ski community long after he hangs up his boots.
