The opening ceremonies of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo is one week from now. This week I had the chance to interview Canadian Olympic gold medalist Mikael Kingsbury of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, who struck gold for Canada in men’s moguls at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang.
Q: How excited are you about representing Canada at your fourth Olympic Winter Games?
A: “To be an Olympian once is quite an achievement. To have the opportunity to do it four times, not many people have done it. I am just very excited. I will have my whole family there, and my son at the bottom of the course. I am just trying to put less pressure on may shoulders. I have been the favourite at the last couple of Olympics. I just want to ski and have fun. I know when I do that, the results will come.”
Q: How meaningful is it for you that dual moguls are at the Olympic Winter Games?
A: “The Olympics go by super quick. Now that we have two events, it is more natural for us. We are used to doing two events a weekend. It is fun to have the opportunity to compete twice. I love dual moguls, and I have been really good at it the last couple of years. I am just super excited to have two opportunities.”
Q: I know you were not 100% in the competitions earlier on this season. How are you feeling now?
A: “It is great. I am very happy. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. It was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. For sone moments, I was skiing in pain. In Val St. Come, I was able to manage very well. With the two extra weeks of a break I got after my 100th win, was so beneficial. Today (Monday) was the best day I felt injury wise on my skis. I was skiing with no pain until I can push a little more. We are getting close to 100%. The timing is actually amazing right now.”
Q: We have seen string development right now from Julien Viel, who won gold in dual moguls earlier this month in Val St. Come. What impresses you the most about his development and progression?
A: “He just had his first win. He is in great shape, and skiing strong. I am zero surprised first of all because I get to see him train on a daily basis. He is the type of skier that has everything. He is a great jumper, great technician and is fast. When you mix everything together, you can be on the podium and win every weekend.”
Q: Tell me about your rivalry with Ikuma Horishima. Do you keep in touch with what he is doing on a regular basis?
A: “Since 2018, he has been one of my main rivals. He is a fine jumper, a super good skier and fast. He has the whole package. What Ikuma has improved with is his consistency. He is tough to beat every round and every weekend. He has helped me raise my level, and is one of the hardest guys I have to compete against.”
