Mikaël Kingsbury has made history by clinching his fifth Olympic medal, taking gold in the men’s dual moguls at Milano Cortina 2026 on Sunday. This victory marks Team Canada’s first gold medal of these Winter Games, awarded to one of the finest athletes in freestyle skiing.
Kingsbury has now become the first freestyle skier to achieve five Olympic medals, solidifying his status as the greatest of all time in his discipline. The event at Milano Cortina was particularly significant as it was the inaugural men’s dual moguls competition at the Olympics. In this exhilarating format, skiers face off in head-to-head heats, but success depends on the quality of their maneuvers as much as their speed, with judges evaluating each skier’s turns and aerial tricks.
Kingsbury commenced his journey to gold with decisive victories in the 1/16 and 1/8 finals, easily advancing through the quarterfinals when his opponent, Jung Daeyoon from South Korea, was unable to complete the run. The semifinals saw Kingsbury square off against Japan’s Takuya Shimakawa, who had recently upset 2022 Olympic champion Walter Wallberg. Kingsbury demonstrated his prowess, securing a straightforward win as Shimakawa fell off balance.
The gold medal final featured an intense face-off against Ikuma Horishima, his longtime rival and fellow competitor. However, Horishima struggled with control during the final jump, allowing Kingsbury to glide to victory with apparent ease.
Renowned for his excellence in dual moguls, Kingsbury has previously captured five of his nine world titles in this event. Interestingly, this victory at the Olympics was his first dual moguls competition of the season, indicating his remarkable preparation and skill even after a break in this specific discipline. Kingsbury’s achievement not only highlights his enduring talent but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide, showcasing the pinnacle of dedication and perseverance in competitive sports.