Canadian moguls skier Mikaël Kingsbury made a strong impression during the qualifying round at the Milano Cortina Olympics. He finished third with a score of 79.11, showcasing his skills ahead of the finals.
Mikaël Kingsbury’s Performance Overview
In the men’s freestyle skiing qualifying at Livigno Aerials and Moguls Park in Italy, Ikuma Horishima of Japan led the field with a score of 85.42. Julien Viel, from Quebec City, followed in second place with a score of 79.56.
- 1st Place: Ikuma Horishima – 85.42
- 2nd Place: Julien Viel – 79.56
- 3rd Place: Mikaël Kingsbury – 79.11
- 16th Place: Elliot Vaillancourt – 73.48
Only the top 10 skiers from qualifying advance directly to the finals, with additional spots available through a second round. The competition will determine the eight finalists who will compete for medals in the final round.
Mindset and Motivation Ahead of Finals
Kingsbury, competing in his fourth Olympic Games, aims to enhance his previous accomplishments, which include one gold medal from Pyeongchang 2018 and two silver medals from Sochi 2014 and Beijing 2022. He shared his determination, stating, “Mission accomplished… I can improve my skiing and upgrade my two jumps.”
Despite finishing third in qualifying, Kingsbury remained unfazed by Horishima’s impressive score. He indicated that the real competition happens in the final rounds.
Preparations and Goals
This year has presented its challenges for Kingsbury due to a summer groin injury. However, his competitive spirit led him to victory earlier this year at Val St-Come, Quebec, marking his 100th FIS World Cup win.
Julien Viel, who narrowly missed the chance to compete in the Beijing Games, also showed promise during qualifying. He felt excitement mixed with anxiety leading up to the event but expressed contentment with his performance.
Looking Ahead to the Finals
As dual moguls makes its Olympic debut, Kingsbury and his competitors will face a demanding course. The course measures 245 meters in length with a steep gradient of 28 degrees, providing a challenging arena for skilled athletes.
Canada has a rich history in moguls, having secured 11 Olympic medals to date—six gold and five silver. Kingsbury is keen to add to this legacy during these games.
Fans eagerly await Kingsbury’s performances in the upcoming finals, and he remains committed to excelling on this prestigious platform. With his experienced background and a goal of achieving further success, it seems likely that Mikaël Kingsbury will continue to shine in future competitions.
