Kingsbury Strikes Gold: Canada’s First Victory at Milano Cortina 2026
Mikaël Kingsbury has secured his second medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, winning gold in the inaugural men’s dual moguls event on Sunday. This victory marks the fifth Olympic medal of his illustrious career and Team Canada’s first gold at these Games.
A Historic Win in a New Discipline
The men’s dual moguls event made its Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026. In this head-to-head format, skiers compete in bracketed races, judged not only on speed but also on the quality of their turns and aerial maneuvers.
Road to Gold: Kingsbury’s Dominant Performance
Kingsbury advanced through the competition with relative ease. He received automatic advancements through the 1/16 and 1/8 finals, and then again in the quarterfinal when his opponent, Jung Daeyoon of South Korea, was unable to finish.
In the semifinal round, Kingsbury faced Takuya Shimakawa of Japan, who had previously upset the 2022 Olympic moguls champion, Walter Wallberg of Sweden. Kingsbury secured an easy win when Shimakawa faltered on his turns.
Final Showdown with Horishima
The gold medal match pitted Kingsbury against longtime rival Ikuma Horishima of Japan. Horishima lost control during his turns and missed the final jump, handing Kingsbury the victory.
“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,”
Mikaël Kingsbury, via CBC Sports
Kingsbury’s success in dual moguls is well-documented, having won five of his nine World titles in the discipline. This season marked his first dual moguls competition.
A Legacy of Excellence
This gold medal adds to Kingsbury’s impressive Olympic record, which now includes two gold medals and three silver medals across five Winter Games appearances. He is the first freestyle skier to win five Olympic medals.
FAQ
- What is dual moguls? Dual moguls is a head-to-head freestyle skiing competition on a mogul course.
- How many Olympic medals does Mikaël Kingsbury have? Mikaël Kingsbury now has five Olympic medals: two gold and three silver.
- Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics being held? The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Milano Cortina, Italy.
Kingsbury’s victory is a testament to his dedication and skill, and a moment of pride for Team Canada. It also signals a strong start for Canada’s medal count at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.