MILAN, Italy – Mikaël Kingsbury has etched his name further into the history books, securing Canada’s first gold medal at the , 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games. The victory in the inaugural Olympic men’s dual moguls event marks a triumphant end to his storied Olympic career.
Kingsbury, 33, defeated longtime rival Ikuma Horishima of Japan in the big final, adding to the silver medal he claimed earlier in the Games in the individual moguls event. Australia’s Matt Graham rounded out the podium with a bronze medal, defeating Japan’s Takuya Shimakawa.
The win wasn’t simply about adding another medal to his collection; it was about overcoming a challenging course and executing a clean performance. Kingsbury excelled in an event where many others faltered, demonstrating his ability to maintain speed and control on a particularly sharp and difficult run. “I don’t think getting to the bottom was very hard. It was hard to go fast. It was very sharp. And that was my key today, being fast with my absorption,” Kingsbury explained, as reported by CBC Sports.
This gold medal represents a significant moment for Canada, ending a wait of over a week for their first top-of-the-podium finish at these Games. The joy on Kingsbury’s face, described as punching the snow in delight and raising both arms in exultation, encapsulated the relief and excitement of the moment.
Kingsbury’s Olympic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. This fifth career Olympic medal – two gold and three silver – solidifies his status as one of the greatest freestyle skiers of all time. He announced prior to the Games that the 2026 Olympics would be his last, making this victory all the more poignant.
The Canadian success didn’t stop with Kingsbury’s gold. The Canadian men’s hockey team also delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, demolishing France 10-2 to complete a perfect group phase. They now await the outcome of the U.S. Versus Germany game to determine their seeding in the playoff round.
Elsewhere for Team Canada, Brad Jacobs and the men’s curling team were in action against China, with the match underway as of . The Canadian pairs skaters, Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, also began their medal pursuit with the short skate, starting at . Freestyle skiing continued with the men’s big air qualification, with run 3 scheduled for .
Kingsbury’s victory is particularly noteworthy as it came in the debut of men’s dual moguls at the Olympic Games. The format, which pits skiers against each other in head-to-head competition, added a new layer of excitement and strategy to the event. Kingsbury’s ability to navigate the dual format, combined with his technical skill and experience, proved to be the winning formula.
The win also highlights the strength of the Canadian freestyle skiing program. Kingsbury’s success has inspired a new generation of skiers in Canada, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the sport for years to come. His dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship have made him a role model for athletes around the world.
As Kingsbury reflects on his Olympic career, he expressed immense pride in his accomplishments. “’One of the best days of my life,’” he stated, encapsulating the significance of this final Olympic triumph. The victory is a fitting tribute to a career defined by excellence, resilience, and a passion for the sport.
The Canadian team’s strong showing on Day 9 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics signals a positive momentum heading into the latter stages of the Games. With athletes continuing to compete across various disciplines, Canada will be looking to build on this success and add to their medal count.
