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The anticipation builds as the countdown to the2026 Winter Olympicsin Milano-Cortina begins, with Canada announcing its flag-bearers. Olympic championsMikaël KingsburyandMarielle Thompsonhave been selected for this prestigious role, marking their fourth appearance in the Winter Games. The opening ceremony is set for February 6, 2026, across multiple venues in Italy, reflecting the expansive nature of this year’s Olympic events.
In an unprecedented arrangement, festivities will occur simultaneously in Livigno, Milan, and the mountain resorts of Cortina and Predazzo. Over 200 Canadian athletes, alongside representatives from 92 nations, will gather in six Olympic villages spread across 22,000 square kilometers in Northern Italy, making these Games the most geographically dispersed in Olympic history.
Emotional significance of the honor
Upon learning of their selection, Kingsbury expressed profound joy, stating, “I had goosebumps when I heard that I was going to be a flag-bearer. It’s one of the greatest honors of my life, and I feel incredibly proud.” Kingsbury, a seasoned moguls skier from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, boasts an impressive Olympic history, having won three medals in previous Games: a silver in Sochi 2014, a gold in Pyeongchang 2018, and another silver in Beijing 2022. This achievement makes him the first male moguls skier to earn three Olympic medals.
Thompson, from Whistler, British Columbia, mirrors Kingsbury’s success with her own remarkable journey. The 33-year-old ski cross champion has secured a gold medal in 2014 and a silver in 2022. After a challenging recovery from a knee injury, she is eager to return to the Olympic stage. “Being chosen as a flag-bearer is incredibly special, especially alongside Mikaël. It’s a surreal honor,” she commented. Their shared experiences throughout their Olympic careers have forged a strong camaraderie.
Training and preparation
As the opening ceremony approaches, both athletes are focused on their training regimens. Kingsbury plans to spend a week honing his skills at his home course in Val St-Côme, Quebec, where he recently celebrated his historic 100th World Cup victory. This milestone cements his status as the only skier to achieve such a feat in the sport. However, he has opted to skip certain events to focus on recovering from a groin injury sustained during training last August. He stated, “I know I can win without being at 100 percent.”
Thompson is also pushing through her own challenges, recently returning to competition after multiple surgeries on her right knee. Despite the setbacks, she remains optimistic about her performance in Italy. “Every injury has made me a better athlete,” she shared, reflecting on her journey. Thompson’s resilience is evident as she aims to secure her third Olympic medal.
A legacy of excellence
The duo’s achievements have not only brought pride to Canada but have also contributed to a legacy of excellence in their respective sports. Canada has dominated the ski cross events since their Olympic introduction in 2010, achieving a remarkable four gold medals and seven Thompson’s accomplishments include being the first Canadian ski cross racer to win aCrystal Globein 2012, and she has since accumulated four such accolades along with 36 World Cup victories.
In addition to their individual successes, both athletes are aware of the larger community of Canadian athletes striving for greatness. “I’m excited to lead Canada, especially considering the incredible talent we have,” Thompson remarked. As the opening ceremony draws near, anticipation continues to build not just for Kingsbury and Thompson but for the entire Canadian team heading to Italy.
Looking ahead to the Olympics
As they prepare to step onto the world stage once again, Kingsbury and Thompson remain committed to their goals. Kingsbury hopes to add to his medal tally, especially with the new dual moguls event making its Olympic debut. “I’ve always excelled at the Olympics, and I’m eager to showcase my skills once more,” he expressed. Meanwhile, Thompson aims to reclaim her spot on the podium after overcoming her injuries. “I want to bring joy to this experience,” she concluded, reflecting on the upcoming challenges.
The upcoming Winter Olympics will not only showcase athletic prowess but also celebrate resilience, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of competition. As Kingsbury and Thompson prepare to represent Canada, their journey serves as an inspiration to many, embodying the spirit of the Olympic Games.