On February 15, 2026, Mikaël Kingsbury achieved a remarkable milestone at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. He secured his second medal at these Games, marking his fifth Olympic medal overall by winning gold in the men’s dual moguls event. This occasion was historic as it was the debut of the men’s dual moguls competition at the Winter Olympics.
Mikaël Kingsbury’s Historic Victory
The dual moguls format features skiers competing head-to-head in knockout rounds. Unlike traditional moguls, where speed is crucial, judges evaluate based on technique and execution of turns and jumps. Hence, the skiers with the most skillful runs may win, even if they are not the fastest.
Competition Breakdown
- Kingsbury advanced through the rounds with ease.
- In the round of 16 and quarterfinals, he secured victories against his opponents.
- In the semifinals, he faced Jung Daeyoon from South Korea, who could not finish the course.
- Next, Kingsbury competed against Japan’s Takuya Shimakawa. Shimakawa had previously stunned many by eliminating reigning Olympic champion Walter Wallberg from Sweden.
- Kingsbury took advantage of Shimakawa’s mistakes, smoothly advancing to the finals.
Final Showdown
The final match for gold saw Kingsbury up against his long-time rival, Ikuma Horishima of Japan. Both skiers had previously competed together, adding a personal dimension to the competition. Kingsbury, known for his prowess in dual moguls, demonstrated his exceptional talent, winning gold.
Throughout his career, Kingsbury has excelled in dual moguls, securing five out of his nine world championship titles in this discipline. This Olympic event was notably his first dual moguls competition of the season, emphasizing its significance as he achieved this remarkable triumph.
This victory not only adds to Kingsbury’s accolades but also highlights the growing popularity of dual moguls in competitive skiing. Fans and experts alike are eager to see what the future holds for this exciting sport.
