Moguls Skier Mikaël Kingsbury Prepares for Final Olympic Appearance

Mikaël Kingsbury, an iconic figure in moguls skiing, is preparing for his final Olympic appearance at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The 33-year-old athlete from Quebec has set the stage for an exciting competition, opting for enjoyment over pressure, even considering he may not execute his signature “1440” maneuver, a feat featuring four full aerial rotations.

Career Highlights and Olympic Journey

Kingsbury has made an indelible mark in the world of freestyle skiing. He boasts an impressive record, including:

• Three Olympic medals: silver in 2014 (Sochi), gold in 2018 (PyeongChang), and silver in 2022 (Beijing).
• Over 100 career World Cup victories, achieving his 100th win on January 10, 2024, in Val Saint-Côme, Quebec.
• Notable performance history since his debut in 2008, including his first World Cup race in 2010.

Facing Competitors

In his final Olympic event, Kingsbury is eager to contend with Japan’s Ikuma Horishima. The 28-year-old skier has consistently posed challenges for Kingsbury, ending several of his winning streaks. Horishima won a bronze medal in moguls at the Beijing Olympics and has amassed 24 World Cup victories.

Kingsbury respects Horishima’s skill and recognizes how their rivalry has elevated the sport. “If we do our best stuff, it could go either way,” Kingsbury remarked, underscoring their competitive spirit.

Preparing for the Games

Kingsbury has recovered from a groin injury that hindered his early season training, thanks to rest and physiotherapy. He is now healthy and excited to compete in both the moguls and the newly introduced dual moguls event in Livigno, where athletes race head-to-head.

The excitement surrounding competing in dual moguls aligns with Kingsbury’s competitive nature. “The duals are so exciting. I feel I become a different human being when I am in the starting gate,” he expressed.

A New Chapter Ahead

Despite his illustrious career, Kingsbury is looking forward to life after the Olympics. He intends to expand his moguls ski camps for aspiring skiers, which he has successfully run in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec. His vision includes introducing these camps in various global locations.

“It’s a way to share my skiing knowledge and inspire [young skiers],” Kingsbury said. He aims to create opportunities for future generations of mogul competitors.

Final Thoughts

As the Winter Games approach, Kingsbury’s emotions are a mix of excitement and anticipation for his last Olympic competition. He plans to bring his trademark luck—a black T-shirt reading, “It’s Good To Be The King”—to the slopes, a charm he has cherished through numerous races.

Kingsbury’s final Olympic appearance is a testament to his remarkable career, and he remains a symbol of inspiration in the sport of freestyle skiing.