The moguls world lost an icon this weekend. Mikaël Kingsbury, 33, officially brought his storied freestyle skiing career to a close on Saturday at the Canadian Championships in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, capping it off with a victory in the dual moguls competition. While the final runs were a celebration of a remarkable career – one boasting 100 World Cup wins, 29 Crystal Globes, nine world titles, and five Olympic medals, including two golds – the outpouring of respect from peers and rivals underscored something deeper: Kingsbury’s lasting impact on the sport and the athletes who followed in his tracks. The retirement of “King” Kingsbury marks the end of an era in freestyle skiing, but his influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the sport for years to come.
Kingsbury’s dominance wasn’t built in isolation. He consistently credited the support system around him – coaches, family, and fellow athletes – for his success. Now, as he transitions away from competition, that gratitude is being returned in full measure. Among those offering heartfelt praise is Alexandre Bilodeau, the two-time Olympic gold medalist who paved the way for Kingsbury’s ascent. Bilodeau, who won Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014, remembers studying Kingsbury when the younger skier first emerged on the World Cup circuit.
“I had a similar mindset,” Bilodeau told CBC Sports. “You learn from the best by being around the best. I watched Jeremy Bloom and Janne Lahtela, and then you seize bits from each of them that stand out to you, and that helps you find your own path.” The dynamic, however, quickly evolved. Years later, it became clear that the student had not only matched his teacher but surpassed him, rewriting the record books in the process. “The question answers itself,” Bilodeau said when asked to define Kingsbury’s legacy. “Mikaël is a legend of our sport. He’s broken every record. The person I got to know when he was younger and the human he’s grow, he’s an amazing person that I have a lot of respect for.”
A Childhood Connection Forged on the Slopes
The connection between Kingsbury and Bilodeau runs deeper than professional respect. Their families have a long-standing connection, owning cottages near each other in Saint-Sauveur. Bilodeau’s sister, Beatrice, is the same age as Kingsbury, and the two grew up skiing together, fostering a friendly rivalry from a young age. “I saw him grow up,” Bilodeau recalled. “I’ve known for a long time that he’d make it to World Cup competition and break through. Did I reckon he’d win this much? Maybe not, but he always had great talent, and he’s probably one of the most passionate people about our sport.”
That passion, Bilodeau emphasized, is what truly sets Kingsbury apart. “He’s truly passionate, and when you’re passionate, that makes a massive difference,” he said. “I think everyone on the World Cup circuit is passionate, but Mikael still lives and breathes it. He still watches videos of Jean-Luc [Brassard] and Lahtela, and he’s 33.” This dedication to continuous learning and refinement, even at the peak of his career, is a testament to Kingsbury’s commitment to the sport.
A Fitting Farewell and a Legacy of Inspiration
Kingsbury’s final competition, held on his home mountain, was a resounding success. He swept both the moguls and dual moguls events at the Canadian Championships, providing a storybook ending to his career.
But his impact extends beyond medals, and records. Canada’s freestyle skiing team will undoubtedly experience his absence, but his influence on the next generation is already apparent.
Rising star Julien Viel, who competed alongside Kingsbury, spoke of the veteran’s mentorship and the inspiration he provided. “He started out as an idol,” Viel said. “When I was young, I wanted to be like him. Then he became my mentor, he gave me a lot of advice. And finally, he became my rival. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have him. I wish him all the best in retirement.” The transition won’t be seamless, and a temporary dip in results is expected, but Kingsbury’s legacy has laid a strong foundation for future success.
A Quebec Icon and a Source of National Pride
Kingsbury’s influence extends beyond the freestyle skiing community, resonating throughout Quebec’s sporting landscape. Eliot Grondin, a two-time Crystal Globe winner in snowboard cross, noted the impact Kingsbury’s success has had on raising the profile of all Quebec athletes. Grondin highlighted that Kingsbury’s dominance has helped garner greater recognition for other disciplines. Audrey McManiman, similarly a Quebec athlete, shared a personal anecdote of meeting Kingsbury at the Milan Cortina Games, praising his calm presence and inspiring energy.
While surpassing Kingsbury’s achievements will be a monumental task, Bilodeau remains optimistic about the future. “Ten years ago, would we have thought Wayne Gretzky’s records could be broken? No,” he said. “And they were last year. There are so many factors that come into play that can change the picture, whether it’s rule changes, career longevity, injuries. There are tons of variables.”
WATCH | Kingsbury goes out victorious at home:
Mikaël Kingsbury’s last run in competition took place on his home mountain of Saint-Sauveur, Que. The moguls star might be retiring from the sport but for some he is a living legend who has inspired a new generation of freestyle skiers.
As Kingsbury embarks on the next chapter of his life, his legacy as a champion, a mentor, and a source of national pride remains firmly intact. The focus now shifts to the future of Canadian moguls skiing, with a new generation poised to build upon the foundation he so brilliantly established. The Canadian freestyle ski team will be holding selection camps in the coming months to determine the roster for the next World Cup season, details of which can be found on their official website.
What are your favorite memories of Mikaël Kingsbury’s incredible career? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with fellow freestyle skiing fans.
