Eric Myles, the Chief of Sport for the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), recently experienced a moment filled with emotion. Before departing for Italy, he visited Mikaël Kingsbury’s home to share important news. Myles was accompanied by the COC’s mission chief, Jennifer Heil, on a video call when he revealed that Kingsbury would be the flag-bearer for Canada at the opening ceremony.
Eric Myles and Mikaël Kingsbury: A Special Bond
This heartfelt announcement took place just before the Olympic events at San Siro Stadium. Myles, who has served in his role since 2014, expressed deep emotions during this significant moment. He has known Kingsbury for many years, stating, “Mik is more than a friend. I have seen him grow in his career.”
Olympic Achievements of Mikaël Kingsbury
- First Olympic medal: Silver in Sochi, 2014
- Gold medal in Pyeongchang, 2018
- Silver medal in Beijing, 2022
Myles observed Kingsbury’s reaction closely. He noted that Kingsbury seemed overwhelmed with emotion, visibly trembling upon receiving the news. This was not a staged event; Myles coordinated with Kingsbury’s partner, Laurence, to surprise him at home.
Significance of the Flag-Bearer Role
The role of flag-bearer holds great significance, and Kingsbury’s emotional response reflected this. “He mentioned feeling goosebumps,” said Myles. “It was an intense moment that truly captured the spirit of the Olympics.”
Just a month prior, Myles had been with Kingsbury at Val Saint-Côme, celebrating his 100th World Cup victory. At that time, he had also surprised Kingsbury with video messages from notable athletes like Marie-Philip Poulin and Sidney Crosby. The decision for Kingsbury to carry the flag had already been made, but the moment remained a well-kept secret until Myles’ visit.
As the Olympic Games unfold in Italy, the connection between Myles and Kingsbury serves as a testament to camaraderie and the shared experiences of athletes competing on the world stage.
