Mikael Kingsbury has brought glory to Canada by clinching the nation’s first gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This victory came on Day 9, marking the debut of the men’s dual moguls event. Kingsbury, who is already recognized as the most decorated mogul skier in history, previously secured a silver medal in the men’s moguls event, narrowly losing to Australia’s Cooper Woods in a tiebreaker determined by their turns score.
In an interview with CBC Olympics, Kingsbury expressed his determination to end what some described as a “curse” for Canadian athletes at this year’s Games. “I really wanted to break that curse and go get that first (gold) medal for the country,” he stated with pride. This gold medal adds to his impressive tally of Winter Games medals, which includes two gold and three silver from five events.
Hailing from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, Kingsbury triumphed over long-standing rival Ikuma Horishima in the final, seizing victory after Horishima stumbled on his final jump. Kingsbury celebrated his win by sliding across the finish line in joyful exuberance, pumping his fist in delight, and later sharing a heartfelt moment with his partner, Laurence Mongeon, and their young son, Henrik. Overcome with emotion during the medal ceremony, he sang “O Canada” as a tribute to his homeland.
Reflecting on his journey, Kingsbury said he was reminded of his childhood dreams of Olympic glory, recalling his first encounter with the Olympics in 2002. “I just gave everything I had. The last energy, the last gasp I had in the tank to go get it,” he said, highlighting his commitment to the sport.
With this latest achievement, Canada has now amassed a total of nine medals at the Milano Cortina Olympics—one gold, three silver, and five bronze. Kingsbury, who had proudly served as a flag-bearer during the opening ceremony, solidified his status as a favorite in dual moguls after winning gold in the same event at the past four world championships. Notably, he has garnered 100 career World Cup wins and nine world championship golds, but this gold medal stands out as a cherished milestone in his illustrious career.