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As excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Canadian Olympic Committee has announced that celebrated athletes Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson will carry the Canadian flag during the opening ceremony on February 6 in Italy. This event marks their fourth appearance at the Winter Games, highlighting their remarkable careers.
The opening ceremony will occur in Livigno, Italy, alongside events at Milan’s famed San Siro Stadium and the scenic mountain regions of Cortina and Predazzo. This innovative format represents a significant shift in Olympic tradition, making these Games one of the most widely distributed in history, with athletes competing across six Olympic villages over an expansive area of 22,000 square kilometers.
Celebrating achievements and overcoming challenges
Mikaël Kingsbury, a moguls skiing icon from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, has enjoyed an illustrious career, boasting three Olympic medals and an unprecedented 100 World Cup victories. Reflecting on his selection as flag-bearer, Kingsbury expressed his pride, stating, “I had goosebumps when I heard that I was going to be a flag-bearer. It’s one of the best honors of my life.” At 33 years old, he aims to compete in what he predicts may be his final Olympics, hoping to add to his impressive medal tally after winning silver in Sochi, gold in Pyeongchang, and silver in Beijing.
Thompson’s inspiring comeback
Marielle Thompson, also 33 and from Whistler, British Columbia, is no stranger to the Olympic spotlight. Having secured gold in 2018 and silver in 2022, she is focusing on her comeback after recovering from a significant knee injury. This season has been particularly challenging, as she makes a determined return to competition following multiple surgeries on her right knee. “Three surgeries on the right knee, it’s been tough,” she shared. “I’ve learned from these setbacks and definitely have come back stronger, both physically and mentally.”
Preparing for the challenge ahead
As Kingsbury and Thompson prepare for the Winter Games, they are also making personal adjustments. Kingsbury intends to train at his home course in Val St-Côme, Quebec, where he recently celebrated his 100th World Cup win. Despite dealing with a lingering groin injury, he remains hopeful about his performance. “I know I can win without being 100 percent,” he remarked, reflecting on his determination to excel. His family, including his young son, will join him in Italy, adding a personal touch to his Olympic experience.
The significance of their roles
Being named flag-bearers is a prestigious honor. Kingsbury and Thompson are the third duo from different sports to fulfill this role together, following a 2026 amendment by the International Olympic Committee that allows nations to appoint both a male and female flag-bearer. This recognition underscores the talent within the Canadian team and embodies the spirit of camaraderie as both athletes have navigated their Olympic journeys side by side.
The opening ceremony promises to be a historic event, broadcast live on CBC-TV for fans across Canada. As Kingsbury and Thompson prepare to lead their teammates into the arena, they carry not just the flag but also the hopes and dreams of a nation. For them, this Olympic journey transcends competition; it is about overcoming adversity, celebrating achievements, and inspiring the next generation of athletes.