The excitement is building as the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina approach. Canada’s freestyle skiing team, announced on January 20, 2026, features 25 talented athletes. Renowned moguls skier Mikael Kingsbury is set to take center stage. Kingsbury, from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, aims to win two medals at this prestigious event.
Kingsbury reflects on his career with pride. He previously won a gold medal in men’s moguls at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and secured silver medals at the 2014 Sochi and 2022 Beijing Olympics. His journey includes being the all-time leader in World Cup victories.
The facts
The announcement by Freestyle Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee highlighted Kingsbury’s inclusion and showcased a strong roster of returning Olympic medallists. Olympic champions Cassie Sharpe and Rachael Karker will represent Canada, alongside Lewis Irving, Marion Thenault, and Miha Fontaine, all medallists in mixed team aerials.
Kingsbury’s journey
Kingsbury stated, “It’s an honour for me to represent Canada at the Olympic Games for the fourth time in my career.” He emphasized the significance of wearing the Canadian colours. With the debut of dual moguls at these Olympics, Kingsbury is eager to make history and stand on the podium in both events. This could be his final Olympic appearance.
Freestyle events and competitors
The freestyle skiing events will begin on February 7, 2026. The Canadian team includes seasoned athletes and promising newcomers. In the moguls and dual moguls, talents like Laurianne Desmarais-Gilbert and Ashley Koehler will compete alongside Kingsbury. The aerials team boasts standout athletes such as Alexandre Duchaine and Miha Fontaine.
Halfpipe and slopestyle competitors
The freestyle squad also features exceptional athletes in other disciplines. The halfpipe team includes veterans Cassie Sharpe and Rachael Karker, while the slopestyle and big air categories showcase emerging stars like Olivia Asselin and Megan Oldham. Each athlete has trained rigorously, demonstrating their passion for the sport.
As the countdown to the Milano-Cortina Games continues, anticipation grows for Kingsbury and the entire Canadian freestyle skiing team. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, they are poised to compete against the world’s best and potentially secure multiple medals. The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics promises to showcase talent and determination as athletes from over 90 countries compete across 116 events.
As fans await the opening ceremony, the athletes’ stories remind us of the dedication and spirit that define the Olympic Games. Mikael Kingsbury and his teammates aim not only to represent Canada but also to inspire the next generation of freestyle skiers.
